PRIMAL…fundamental and original

Posted on August 19, 2015 by jrling

“My main love is what I do for my fans. I love my fans. When I’m giving a concert and see my fans dancing and screaming excitedly, we’re bringing them joy, that’s what I love most.”

Michael Jackson

I feel I was chosen as an instrument to just give music and love and harmony to the world, to children of all ages, and adults and teenagers.”

Peter Pan, to me, represents something that is very special in my heart. It represents youth, childhood, never growing up, magic, flying, everything I think that children and wonderment and magic, what it’s all about.”

Michael Jackson

~four spiritual teachings that Michael Jackson left behind as part of his legacy:

~the lesson of oneness: We are all one; we are all connected.

~the lesson of responsibility: Michael felt a sense of responsibility for the homeless, sick, and hungry of this world.

~the lesson of sameness: We are all souls in human ‘outerwear’.

~the lesson of courage and vision: Michael Jackson thinks big; he had large visions.Give up fear, think above and beyond, and do not be afraid to let your light shine in its fullness.

Adele R. McDowell, Ph.D.

“Michael knew and was genius at communicating not only lyrical and instrumental meaning, but with voice inflection, phrasing and emotion, he could send a message to that little light inside, triggering joy and connection with a primal ‘something’ that has no words or explanation of knowing and feeling that extends to other areas of life. The Creator used music as Michael’s microphone to the world.”

Lauren Trainor MJTributeportrait

Michael Jackson possessed an inner force infused with originality, brilliantly colored by the fundamental…defining primal as what is of first importance. His heartbeat gained strength from all things magical. ~for those who don’t believe in magic will never find it~ Roald Dahl…Michael awakened people to the prospect of lustrous dreams, and to glorious possibilities as, collectively, dreams took shape. Using his gifts of voice and dance, he stood before us completely vulnerable, offering his soul. ~every production of an artist should be the expression of an adventure of his soul~ W. Somerset Maugham Transferring color and texture, Michael was in constant pursuit of light while at the same time, reflecting back laser beams which soothed our own souls, igniting passion. Rediscovering magic, each passionate dream manifests an opportunity…a connectedness in a shower of sparks. We find ourselves travelers on a life-altering course, intimate and personal, soulfully connected. And…here we are together…weaving dreams.

Although we arrive here from many different vantage points, the panorama of common experiences is astounding. In our attempts to silence the world’s cacophony of sounds, we reconnect in choices that reveal who we really are. Michael’s canvas delivers hope and inspiration no matter how often it is viewed, for with each return visit a sense of grace comes over us, and we rediscover the master teacher that is Michael Jackson…for we have learned that the greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work. And, with Michael Jackson, there is unlimited work to revisit.

“He moves the temple of his body and the chimes of his ego sound in the breeze of our awe. He is on fire…a panther in Astaire’s weightless heaven. Then, suddenly, that intergalactic smile. Jesus, what a smile. He wants us for his moonbeams.”

Chris Roberts.

“As a producer, this is the song…ANOTHER PART OF ME. Just admire the instrumentation. It’s so funky and it’s got instruments doing these intricate patterns, and it doesn’t have a chorus-chorus. It’s the setup. That’s the best pre-chorus ever written. And then the pay off is ‘It’s just another part of me.’ The song shows why Michael is the King.”

Bruno Mars

~the 44th Annual Event United Negro College Fund

Contributions for philanthropy and the humanities, an academic discipline that includes not only the arts and science, but literature, history and philosophy as well. Michael Jackson joined a long list of recipients which included: Maya Angelou, Hunter S. Thompson, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Booker T. Washington, Georgia O’Keefe, Prince Charles, Eudora Welty, Margaret Thatcher and the Rev. Billy Graham, to name a few.

~the true definition of a doctor…one who teaches and inspires.

Thank you, Esh Sundar

“Michael, I’m sorry that Nancy and I could not be with you for this very special day, but I want to congratulate you for the honors you are receiving tonight from the United Negro College and the honorary degree awarded by Fisk University. Let me be the first to call you…the new Dr. J.”

Ronald Reagan 1988

In the summer of 1990, Michael Jackson opened up his Neverland Valley Ranch to Dream Street Camp. He invited 45 campers, all of whom were suffering from life-threatening illnesses. They played video games, visited the amusement park and had lunch. Michael, himself, gave them a personal tour of the ranch.

Jet Magazine August 13, 1990

Looking back, while seeing what is in front of us, Michael is at the center… instrumental in our lives. Our sustainable loyalty comes from a commitment to the mantra: ~when one person believes in something it’s a dream. When two (or more) persons share the same dream it’s the beginning of a new reality. MJ We have learned from Michael that love is our weapon, that with our voices singing as one we can accomplish the magic we believe in, turning away from silence, and turning toward his ever present words: What do you need and how can I help?

Our inspiration comes from Michael:

~his music

~his dance

~his storytelling

~his lyrics

~his poetry and prose

~his short films

~his performances…recorded, film, live

~his speeches

~his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts

~his rescue efforts

~his generosity

~his Utopian Neverland totality of who he was

~his innovation, creativity, originality, pioneering

~his compositions and songwriting

~his social justice acts of civil rights for all

~his inexhaustible efforts on behalf of the voiceless…the children and the ecology

~his sense of childlike innocence, play and joy

~his profound ability to speak to each of us through every human experience and struggle

~his pure and unconditional love

Michael has taught us that our best dreams are when we are awake. Awake, we find our best selves when we travel alongside Michael Jackson. When we remain close to him, our true voice comes straight from our hearts.

MICHAEL…YOU ARE THE POWER OF OUR CREATIVE SOURCE. YOU KNOW OUR TRUTHS. YOU INTERPRET WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE ARE GOING. YOU HELP US HOLD ONTO OUR FAITH.

I LOVE YOU,

Jude

TAKING A MEASURE OF THE LOSS AND A MEASURE OF THE LEGACY

Posted on March 19, 2013 by jrling

“PEOPLE ASK ME HOW I MAKE MUSIC. I TELL THEM I JUST STEP INTO IT. IT’S LIKE STEPPING INTO A RIVER AND JOINING THE FLOW. EVERY MOMENT IN THE RIVER HAS ITS SONG. SO I STAY IN THE MOMENT AND LISTEN.

WHAT I HEAR IS NEVER THE SAME. A WALK THROUGH THE WOODS BRINGS A LIGHT, CRACKLING SONG: LEAVES RUSTLE IN THE WIND, BIRDS CHATTER AND SQUIRRELS SCOLD, TWIGS CRUNCH UNDERFOOT, AND THE BEAT OF MY HEART HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER. WHEN YOU JOIN THE FLOW, THE MUSIC IS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE, AND BOTH ARE THE SAME. AS LONG AS I CAN LISTEN TO THE MOMENT, I’LL ALWAYS HAVE MUSIC.”

MICHAEL JACKSON DANCING THE DREAM 1992

You must get to know someone, to know their heart and soul before you can even attempt to judge their character.

“PREJUDICE IS IGNORANCE” … MICHAEL JACKSON

Innocence of spirit, looking at the world unencumbered by color, race, religion, borders or boundaries, freed Michael Jackson’s imagination. That imagination knew no limits. Present every day of his life, the magic and wonder and mystery of life informed themes. They are found in every facet of Michael’s creativity, his body of work, his humanitarian efforts. These pervasive themes received their life’s blood from the values Michael lived out on a world stage. He shared them all with millions. In a career spanning 45 years, great and sustained energy produced the threads of themes to the tenth power.

To get closer to an understanding of who Michael Jackson is, one fact becomes clear…in a world filled with lies, Michael is the truth. His character, personality, persona, whether before thousands or in private, remains the same having roots deep inside his values and a belief in the power of the people. All have their basis in a belief in God.

“Many in the media have suggested that Michael Jackson’s legendary humanitarian works were undertaken to further publicize the most famous human being on the planet or for tax write-off purposes. Such suggestions are laughable as well as irrelevant. Although Michael has opened his wallet and his home to deprived, disadvantaged and ill children the world over, his most significant contribution, and one that remains an inspiration to millions of fans, is his time and his attention…a much more valuable commodity than money.

His genuine delight in the presence of children can be experienced by watching his visits-caressing the bald head of a young cancer victim gently-watching his timid smile as he approaches-the way his face lights up, as if from within, when children are present providing evidence to his open-hearted sincerity. Such reactions cannot be faked nor can they be hidden.

During the peak of his career, Michael did more for people and the world than any other super star, his contributions so great they would have put many governments in big industrial countries to shame.” Journalist Frederic Taddei 2008

“MICHAEL JACKSON’S WORLD TOURS HAVE BEEN MORE LIKE GLOBAL LOVE-INS THAN CONCERTS. HE’S TAKEN ALL THIS LOVE AND HIS OWN DEEP FEELINGS AND CHANNELED THEM INTO DOZENS OF HUMANITARIAN CAUSES. ON BEHALF OF VH1, WE WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT THIS AWARD TO YOU FOR THE WORK YOU’VE DONE OVER THE YEARS FOR SO MANY CHARITIES. IN ADDITION, VH1 IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE CREATION OF A SPECIAL VH1 INTERNATIONAL HONORS AWARD FOR THE KING OF POP WHICH WILL BE PRESENTED IN FUTURE YEARS TO ARTISTS WHOSE WORLD-WIDE CHARITABLE WORK FOLLOWS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF YOURSELF.” Morgan Freeman VH1 Honors 1995

“Thank you to all the fans. You’ve given me so much it’s allowed me to pass it on to those who need and deserve our help. A perfect example is the recent United Nations announcement that 1 to 3 million lives could be saved if children in third world countries were given a vitamin A pill three times a year…the cost, 6 cents, that’s all. We must join together in healing the world so we can share this beautiful planet in joy and love. I love you very much.” Michael Jackson

“With the untimely passing of an incomparable legend, the 2009 BET Awards will be shifting gears to honor the late Michael Jackson and his contributions to not only the music industry, but to the entire world. His loss is a difficult one to accept and BET will do its part to ensure that his legend lives on.

The 2009 BET Awards will be dedicated to the life, the legacy and the legend of music icon Michael Jackson. Jackson’s impact on our lives has been significant. Whether exhibited by his humanitarian efforts, his ability to reshape the concept of the music video, or his engaging star power, THE KING OF POP is unlike any other artist, defining the very fabric of what popular music is today. Michael Jackson’s influence is undeniable as traces of his style are prevalent in a number of today’s top artists. But, his significant impact on this network will also forever be etched into the history tablets of BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION. Michael’s influence is felt every day in so many ways at BET Network, and it’s been that way throughout our network’s entire 29 year history. We watched him grow up and he truly feels like a member of the family.

He will be missed more than we can say…but his legend and memory live on in the artists, musicians, producers, dancers, FANS and everyone else who LOOKS TO HIM FOR INSPIRATION.

Who could forget that one of the most memorable milestones in BET history was Michael Jackson’s surprise appearance during the tribute to James Brown at the 2003 BET Awards? His impromptu performance with the Godfather of Soul left everyone breathless.

Jackson has done more for music and popular culture than any other artist. His influence crosses generations, races, genders and even continents. That incredible global reach matched with decades of musical integrity and genius is why Jackson was the very first artist inducted in the BET WALK OF FAME back in 1995.

Taking all his monumental contributions into consideration, the 2009 BET Awards will be dedicated to the unparalleled KING OF POP and will spend the evening paying tribute to the legacy of Michael Jackson.” 2009 BET AWARDS DEDICATED TO MUSIC ICON MICHAEL JACKSON WRITTEN BY CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF BET NETWORK DEBRA LEE

“THIS SENSE OF WORLD IN ME” DANCING THE DREAM MJ 1992

“Children show me in their playful smiles the divine in everyone. This simple goodness shines from their hearts. Being with them connects us to the deep wisdom of life. These children are a reminder of the preciousness of all life, especially young lives untouched by hatred, prejudice and greed. Now, when the world is so confused and its problems so complicated, we need our children more than ever. Their natural wisdom points the way to solutions that lie waiting to be recognized in our own hearts. Children are the world’s foremost idealists and optimists. It is for that reason HEAL THE WORLD is organizing THE WORLD’S CHILDREN’S CONGRESS next year made up exclusively of delegates aged 8-16. The world desperately needs their innocent perspective on the world’s problems.

We have to heal our wounded planet of the chaos, despair and senseless destruction we see today. THE MISSION OF HEAL THE WORLD, MY MISSION, IS HEALING PURE AND SIMPLE. To heal the world we must start by healing our children. Today we come bearing gifts for the children of wartorn Sarejevo. In 1992, Sarajevo has become a symbol of so much that is tragic but avoidable in our world. Prejudice and ethnic hatred , the destruction of the environment, the shattering of families and centuries old communities.

We are pleased to announce at this special time of year, that we will turn our efforts home to the plight of our American children. Towards this end, we are planning Convoy USA. This will be an effort to help all Americans work together towards a single objective…TO HEAL THE CHILDREN OF OUR INNER CITIES. This Thanksgiving is particularly special to me with the launch of the single, “Heal the World”. I wrote this song for everyone in our world to help bring global harmony. All the proceeds of this song will go to the Foundation” Inside a hangar at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Michael witnesses the loading of 43 tons of medical supplies, blankets, winter clothing and shoes onto a DC-8 cargo jet bound for the children of Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina, a war zone in the former Yugoslavia. The Heal the World Foundation teams up with AmeriCares to fly the $2.1 million worth of aid to the Croatian capital, Zagreb, and then to Sarajevo for distribution under the supervision of the UN High Command for Refugees. November 24, 1992 ‘Michael Jackson A Visual Documentary 1958-2009’ Adrian Grant

BAMBI POP STAR OF THE MILLENIUM 2002 BERLIN, GERMANY ACCEPTANCE SPEECH FOR THE BAMBI POP STAR OF THE MILLIENIUM

“WOW! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU VERY MUCH! DEAR DR. BURDA, DEAR DR. TURNHOFER, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN…I HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF MY VISITS TO GERMANY…TO BERLIN, A CITY FULL OF ENERGY. IT’S VERY SPECIAL TO ME. BERLIN, I LOVE YOU. BERLIN, ICH LIEBE DICH!

SEPTEMBER 11TH HAS CHANGED OUR WORLD. NOT LONG AGO, THE BERLIN WALL CAME DOWN. BUT, RECENTLY, NEW WALLS HAVE BEEN BUILT. 1989, PEOPLE IN GERMANY SAID…’WIR SIND EIN VOLK. WE ARE ONE NATION.’

WE ARE GERMANS, WE ARE ARMENIANS, FRENCH, ITALIAN, RUSSIAN, AMERICAN, ASIAN, AFRICAN AND MANY OTHER NATIONALITIES. WE ARE CHRISTIANS, JEWISH, MUSLIMS AND OF SO MANY DIFFERENCES, SO COMPLEX AND YET, SO SIMPLE. WE DO NOT NEED TO HAVE WAR.

AND, TO THE CHILDREN OF GERMANY, I WANT TO SAY THIS…WE NEED YOU. THE WORLD NEEDS YOU! PLEASE GO FOR YOUR DREAMS, WHATEVER YOUR IDEALS, YOU CAN BECOME WHATEVER YOU WANT TO ;BECOME. BECOME AN ASTRONAUT OR A FAMOUS SCIENTIST, A FAMOUS DOCTOR…AND, OF COURSE, BECOME AN ARTIST AND MAYBE YOU GET A BAMBI AWARD LIKE ME. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVE GERMANY AND THAT YOU HAVE A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. REALLY! ALWAYS APPRECIATE THE GIFT OF LIFE. BE HAPPY AND HAVE FUN. I LOVE YOU! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!”

BERLIN 1989

THEY HATED THE WALL, BUT WHAT COULD THEY DO? IT WAS TOO STRONG TO BREAK THROUGH. THEY FEARED THE WALL, BUT DIDN’T THAT MAKE SENSE? MANY WHO TRIED TO CLIMB OVER IT WERE KILLED. THEY DISTRUSTED THE WALL, BUT WHO WOULDN’T ? THEIR ENEMIES REFUSED TO TEAR DOWN ONE BRICK, NO MATTER HOW LONG THE PEACE TALKS DRAGGED ON. THE WALL LAUGHED GRIMLY, “I’M TEACHING YOU A GOOD LESSON,” IT BOASTED, “IF YOU WANT TO BUILD FOR ETERNITY, DON’T BOTHER WITH STONES. HATRED, FEAR, AND DISTRUST ARE SO MUCH STRONGER. ” THEY KNEW THE WALL WAS RIGHT, AND THEY ALMOST GAVE UP. ONLY ONE THING STOPPED THEM. THEY REMEMBERED WHO WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE. GRANDMOTHER, COUSIN, SISTER, WIFE. BELOVED FACES THAT YEARNED TO BE SEEN. “WHAT’S HAPPENING?” THE WALL ASKED, TREMBLING. WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT THEY DID, THEY WERE LOOKING THROUGH THE WALL, TRYING TO FIND THEIR DEAR ONES. SILENTLY, FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER, LOVE KEPT UP ITS INVISIBLE WORK. “STOP IT!” THE WALL SHRIEKED. “I’M FALLING APART.” BUT IT WAS TOO LATE. A MILLION HEARTS HAD FOUND EACH OTHER. THE WALL HAD FALLEN BEFORE IT CAME DOWN. Dancing the Dream 1992 Michael Jackson

Michael’s perfectionist theme came from his very core and was apparent in all aspects of his life. His approach was deliberate and measured by these tenets: REVISIT NURTURE DEFINE. Practicing this philosophy of not being hurried, taking the time to move the vision informed all the gifts Michael shared with the world…vision…seeing the overall, the big picture…working tirelessly to that end…FAITH, TRUST…asking the question, “God, where do you want me to go next?”

“Even the least breath is a gesture of gratitude to the creator. It smiles to be alive, waiting patiently for ages of ignorance and sorrow to pass away like a mirage.” Dancing the Dream Michael Jackson 1992

I will end this brief look at the loss and legacy of Michael Jackson, knowing that there is so much more to say and share. Really getting to know Michael’s heart and soul, who he was and his committment to his art and to the world is an enormous task and a wonderful labor of love. The impact he had on popular culture will be the focus for another day. “Lies run in sprints, the truth runs in marathons. In the end, the truth always triumphs.” MJ Michael’s truth was that his 45 year career never faltered…his success is unparalleled yet today. Michael’s music is heard across this planet each and every day. For the fourth year in a row, he has been voted by a global public as the MOST FAMOUS PERSON 2013. Michael Jackson Immortal Tour continues to be the hottest ticket on the planet. Thriller Live has drawn huge crowds in London since 2006. Bad 25 continues to sell millions. Thriller remains the biggest selling album of all time. But, there is so much more…another day!

When I want to be inspired, entertained…when I want to escape or fantasize…when I want to be challenged to think and be a better person…all those roads lead to Michael. I chose to write this Blog because I have a burning desire to share this joy, this beauty, this inspiration with you. Thank you for taking time from your day! Whenever you are ready to know the real Michael Jackson, I am excited to introduce him to you!

Jude

HIStory

MYstory

OURstory

CHILDREN’S UNIVERSAL BILL OF RIGHTS

Posted on February 9, 2013 by jrling

“TODAY, WE STAND JOINED TOGETHER ALL AROUND THE WORLD IN A COMMON PURPOSE…TO MAKE THE PLANET INTO A HAVEN OF JOY AND UNDERSTANDING AND GOODNESS. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO SUFFER, ESPECIALLY OUR CHILDREN. THIS TIME WE MUST SUCCEED. THIS IS FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD.” SUPER BOWL XXVII 1993 MICHAEL JACKSON

There are times in my life when I see the world around me and feel a sense of hopelessness. I am reminded of the political campaigns and the millions of dollars spent on them. Watching television ads that focussed on negatives, viewing conventions where money spent exceeded anything I could really imagine, I asked myself why. I would guess with a reasonable measure of certainty that most Americans knew full well who was going to receive their vote. I wonder why we spend so much money on things that matter little and so little money on the really important things. I thought about the starving children in the world. I dreamed that one of the candidates would have the bravery to stand up and say that instead of wasting money on a campaign, their dollars would go to help heal the world. Pollyanna? Oh, I so wish not.

The question becomes, what will I do. I have had the profound good fortune of following Michael Jackson’s humanitarian life. His committment and generosity, his energies and strength have been my inspiration. That inspiration has helped me find new ways to try to make a difference. That inspiration has moved millions of people to follow their hearts. I am humbled by their efforts. I am humbled by all that I have learned.

“Our children are the most beautiful, most sweet, most treasured of our creations. And yet, every minute at least 28 children die. Today our children are at risk of being killed by diseases and by the violence of war, guns, abuse and neglect. Children have few rights and no one to speak for them. They have no voice in our world. God and nature has blessed me with a voice. Now I want to use it to help children speak for themselves. I have founded the Heal the World Foundation to be the voice of the voiceless: the children.” Michael Jackson June 23, 1992

HEAL THE WORLD FOUNDATION HAS THREE MAIN GOALS:

1. TO MAKE THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN THE WORLD’S HIGHEST PRIORITY.

2. TO BE THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS BY FOCUSING WORLD-WIDE ATTENTION ON THE NEEDS AND RIGHTS OF ALL CHILDREN AND BY PROVIDING CHILDREN WITH A FORUM TO EXPRESS THEIR UNIQUE VISION FOR HEALING THE WORLD.

3. TO HELP CREATE A WORLD WHERE CHILDREN WILL LIVE WITHOUT VIOLENCE, WHERE CHILDREN WILL BE FREE OF DISEASE AND HAVE HEALTHY LIVES, AND WHERE EACH GENERATON WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW INTO FULLY PARTICIPATING MEMBERS OF THE WORLD COMMUNITY.

“I am very happy to be here in Japan again. I am very lucky to see all the children and the young at heart as well. The innocence of children represents to me the source of infinitive creativity and I feel this is where all my creative source comes from. This is not an intellectual kind of intelligence but an intelligence that is full of wonder, magic, mystery and adventure. In this intelligence there is love, there is trust, there is joy and there is beauty. It’s the kind of intelligence that will heal the world. That is why I am here and that is why we are here. Thank you very much. I love you.” Michael Jackson Japan American Consulate December 10, 1992

“Cancer is the number one killer of children and it is only when we join together on evenings like this, that we can summon the courage and determination to stop it from ever robbing another child of the precious gift of life, or a parent of the joy of watching their child grow.” taken from an acceptance speech G&P Foundation Award November 30, 2000

My experience in the classroom has taught me many things, among them, that children have an unlimited capacity to create. The Heal the World Foundation’s World’s Children’s Congress seminars and workshops are an amazing example of children coming together from all over the world to give their views on world problems. To add to the creativity and magic, conferences took place at Neverland Valley Ranch. Children had days to enjoy the wonderment and to have a voice in the world. Play and creativity…in a place that was described by Mike Tyson this way,”Michael invited me to Neverland when Ashanti was going to perform. The place was awesome. It was the happiest place I’ve ever been. When you walked through the gates onto the property it was as if you’d inhaled laughing gas. Everyone was happy. Even the animals seemed to be smiling…a real carefree place.” I smile when I think of Neverland and I will write about it in another blog, but, only Michael could create a world of magic to bring out the child in us all.

The Heal the World Foundation included Heal LA after the rioting in the early 90’s. In 2001, Michael traveled to Oxford, England to give an address at the Oxford Union. His address introduced The Heal the Kid Initiative. When I discovered this address, I decided to transcribe it. It took days to do. After that, I typed it into my computer. Those efforts and the hours taken for the task helped me to FEEL what Michael was saying. The address is pages long, but, I wanted to share with you the following:

With over 20,000 people requesting tickets to attend the launch of Michael’s Heal the Kids charity at the Oxford Union, the few hundred who managed to gain entry to the 178-year-old debating society were thrilled as they listened to Michael speak for over 35 minutes as he called for a Children’s Universal Bill of Rights. Specifically, Michael’s bill included:

THE RIGHT TO BE LOVED, WITHOUT HAVING TO EARN IT.

THE RIGHT TO BE PROTECTED, WITHOUT HAVING TO DESERVE IT.

THE RIGHT TO FEEL VALUABLE, EVEN IF YOU CAME INTO THE WORLD WITH NOTHING.

THE RIGHT TO BE LISTENED TO WITHOUT HAVING TO BE INTERESTING.

THE RIGHT TO BE READ A BEDTIME STORY WITHOUT HAVING TO COMPETE WITH THE EVENING NEWS OR EASTENDERS.

THE RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION WITHOUT HAVING TO DODGE BULLETS AT SCHOOLS.

THE RIGHT TO BE THOUGHT OF AS ADORABLE (EVEN IF YOU HAVE A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE.)

And in concluding he stated, “From this day forward, may a new song be heard. Let that song be the sound of children laughing. Let that new song be the sound of children playing. Let that new song be the sound of children singing. And let that new song be the sound of parents listening. Together, let us create a symphony of hearts, marvelling at the miracle of our children and basking in the beauty of love. Let us heal the world and blight its pain. And may we all make beautiful music together. God bless you and I love you.” Michael Jackson A Visual Documentary 1958-2009 Adrian Grant

April 20,2001 Michael announced that he would travel to Sudan to campaign for an end to child slavery. He would use his charity Heal the Kids to try to help the victims. “I want this slavery to end, now and forever. I mean this from the bottom of my heart. The existence of child slavery shakes me to my very core. Children need a childhood. They need to play and run and have fun. They can’t be forced to work. Childhood is the greatest gift of life that must be preserved. I think this is something we can’t turn a blind eye to.” Michael Jackson New York Post Interview 2001

If we were to define Michael’s legacy, I think we would all agree that his massive catalog, his historic performances and world tours, his anthems and social justice lyrics, his creative, cutting edge short films, his iconic dance and wearable art would all be on the list. His humanitarian efforts continue to reach hearts and souls around this planet. Honoring that legacy is a global family including these countries: USA, GREECE, ROMANIA, ITALY, GERMANY, HONG KONG, NIGERIA, JAPAN, AUSTRIA, FRANCE, SPAIN, TRINIDAD, TOBAGO, ARGENTINA, IRAN, ARMENIA, ENGLAND, BRAZIL, TAIWAN, CANADA, SWEDEN, PUERTO RICO, SWITZERLAND, MEXICO, PORTUGAL, SCOTLAND, DENMARK, NETHERLANDS, RUSSIA, BULGARIA.

GLOBAL PROJECTS INSPIRED BY MICHAEL ARE: MJJCOMMUNITY, MJJUNDERGROUND, MJJJUSTICE PROJECT, MJ FANS OF NYC, MJ4JUSTICE JUSTICE 4 MICHAEL JACKSON, TRIBUTO MJ, MJTRUTH NOW, MJNATION, SOMJ, CANADIAN MJ FAN CLUB, MJ THE JAM CAFE, MICHAEL JACKSON VINDICATION, STOP GLOBAL AIRWAVE ABUSE, ONE ROSE 4 MICHAEL, WHITE GLOVE GROUP, MAJORLOVEPRAYERVIGIL, THE ACADEMIA PROJECT,BUTTERFLIES FOR MICHAEL, SUNFLOWERS FOR MICHAEL. EVERLAND CHILDREN’S PROJECT, HEAL YOUR WORLD FOR CHILDREN, MICHAEL JACKSON LEGACY, WORLD CHILD CANCER USA to name a few.

“There is nothing the can’t be done if we raise our voice as one. ” MJ

Brenda Jenkyns and Kathy Garren have used their amazing creativity in writing and art to do two beautiful children’s books: FOREVER LOVED and EVER AFTER. Each book is written and illustrated with such love. I was brought to tears. Heaven Leigh is currently working on a book done by children called HEAL YOUR WORLD FOR CHILDREN using children’s artwork and wisdom.

And then, the most precious gift given, Paris, Prince and Blanket Jackson, Michael’s finest legacy. Following in their father’s footsteps, Michael’s three children have begun their humanitarian efforts to honor their father, continue his work and go for their own dreams. Among their efforts are: February, 2012 LA Housing Corp. donations of time and money for homes for the homeless, August, 2011 Children’s Hospital LA donations of time and money. Each of the three children, along with their Grandmother, Katherine, regularly volunteer to help feed needy children in LA. Paris has the lead in the Disney film LUNDON’S BRIDGE AND THE THREE KEYS. The film tells a story of humanity and the environment. Fifty percent of the profits for the film will be donated to schools in need. Prince traveled to Germany in 2012 to contribute to the Bambi Foundation. Michael received the Bambi Humanitarian Award in Berlin in 2003. Accepting their father’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, Prince offered these words:

“OUR FATHER WAS ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PLANET AND HUMANITY. THROUGH ALL HIS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION HE HAS HELPED MANY CHARITIES AND DONATED TO ALL OF THEM. THROUGH HIS SONGS, HIS MESSAGE WAS SIMPLE, LOVE. WE WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD HIS MESSAGE AND HELP THE WORLD. THANK YOU! WE LOVE YOU, DAD.”

“DADDY WAS GOING TO PERFORM THIS YEAR, BUT HE CAN’T. THANK YOU! WE LOVE YOU, DADDY.” Paris Jackson

“LOVE IS THE JUICE AND ENERGY THAT MOTIVATE MY MUSIC, MY DANCING, EVERYTHING. AS LONG AS LOVE IS IN MY HEART IT’S EVERYWHERE. Michael Jackson DANCING THE DREAM

Reliving this journey with you makes it all the more real. You are a gift to me. You allow me to feel the love all over again. I offer that love back. Enjoy your day and remember: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOVE.

JUDE

HIStory

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YOURstory

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Michael Jackson Chosen Voices

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Tag Archives: humanitarian

PRIMAL…fundamental and original

TAKING A MEASURE OF THE LOSS AND A MEASURE OF THE LEGACY

CHILDREN’S UNIVERSAL BILL OF RIGHTS