Michael Jackson's Blackness

Michael Jackson's Blackness routinely elicits speculation, pride, debate, apprehension and anger. Most things about Jackson prompt a visceral reaction - his music, looks, creativity, dance, wardrobe, spirit, and his 'way of being' himself in this world. He remains forever that unique extravagance that can neither be ignored nor fully grasped.

Michael glittered between the atoms of creation, moving deftly outside accepted structure, and singing life in a new key. That he was born poor and Black in 1958 America set the obstacle course that Michael Jackson determined to maneuver, leap over, spin around and land dead center on his toes. Yet, that same harsh terrain he conquered as warrior also formed a kind, generous, soft-spoken prince.

Such might be the stuff of fairy stories except that this singular, Black warrior prince - having subdued the dragon and brought the world new happiness -- did not live happily ever after.

Instead, he was hated, hunted, betrayed, plotted against, lied about, picked apart and repeatedly wounded - by individuals and by mainstream media. Why?

For his unmatched talent and pursuit of excellence?

For the treasure he earned, and liberally shared with others?

For tilling the soil future artists now grow in?

For unbridled pride in and respect for his own Black heritage?

For his long memory and frequent 'All Hail' to artists of color whose souls, hopes, and hurts lived in his body?

For the unconditional love and respect he gave to and received from admirers worldwide?

Yes to all.

Michael Jackson's music - portal to the man and his message - often eludes professional critics or is deliberately ignored by a deaf, dumb and blind media focused on chasing scandal and quick profits.

His films are NOT timid, sugar-coated whispers, but loud, raw, angry screams against the injustice, suppression and prejudice that chain the bodies, minds and souls of both prisoners and those who imprison -- if they but knew it.

“Michael Jackson created music that lightened our heavy hearts, enlightened our minds, and strengthened our spirits to heal an endangered world. Yet, the more he achieved, the more determined were forces to erase him and substitute an invented Wacko Jacko alter ego for public consumption. To the extent they succeeded, Michael Jackson suffered bitterly – but never gave up.

Jackson knew that physical death is not the last word. Though the creator dies, the creation lives on, fulfilling its purpose, moving forward forever.

The last laugh will rest with the good warrior-prince.

Days after Jackson’s death, Tavis Smiley, PBS talk show host, discussed aspects of Michael Jackson’s spirituality with Dr. Cornel West, Princeton University, and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Georgetown University. 

http://video.pbs.org/video/1169160819/