Hundreds gather for Jackson tribute
By Lisa DeNeal Post-Tribune correspondent June 25, 2011 9:30PM
Updated: October 26, 2011 1:27AM
GARY — Hundreds gathered in front of Michael Jackson’s childhood home at 2300 Jackson St. on Saturday — the second anniversary of his death — for the second annual tribute to the King of Pop.
The tribute featured live performances from local poets, singers, dancers and musicians from Beautiful Soul, an entertainment group founded by Kelechukwu Brnfre and Karen “K-Sims” Sims of Gary. Beautiful Soul holds open mic events Tuesday nights at The Link Bar, 752 Broadway and Brnfre said it is because of that noteriety they were asked by the City of Gary administration to put together a show for the fans.
“We are very proud to be a part of this tribute. All of the performers you see tonight are from Gary, went to school here or still living in Gary,” Brnfre said. “This is a city of many talented people paying honor to a man who was from Gary and contributed to the music industry.”
All of the performers — including Brnfre, Caleb Ishman, Andriea Ishman, LaToya Torie Larkin, Vince Conner, Lee Charles Gilliam II, Brandon Donerson Sr., Crystal Franklin, Candace Carpenter-Zannou, Mrs.Nee-Nee and Karen Sims — honored Jackson by singing some of his hit songs or reciting a poem as a tribute. Chicago Luvabull and Gary native Asia Selina Dickens choreographed dance routines with dancers from the South Shore Dance Alliance.
While many fans were local and from throughout Northwest Indiana, some came from out of town to be here and remember Jackson. Ryan Muhammad, 35, came from New York City with his father. Muhammad wore a replica of Jackson’s red jacket from the “Beat It” video, black pants, a tribute T-shirt and a white glittered glove on his left hand.
“This is our first time in Gary,” Muhammad said. “Last year we went to California, but I wanted to be in his hometown. It is amazing to look at the house and see where such a superstar began in such a humble manner. In his lifetime he remained humble and genuine. There will never be another one like him.”
Jill Brooks, her sister, Willa Brooks, and friend Ron Beck drove six hours from Pittsburgh to join in the tribute. Jill said she and Ron came here twice last year and this was her sister’s first time. They held up signs reading “Pittsburgh Loves Michael Jackson” and “Thank You Joseph and Katherine.”
“If not for Joseph and Katherine Jackson, we would not have had Michael or any of the Jacksons. We have to honor the parents for raising a multi-talented family,” Jill Brooks said.
Brandon Donerson Jr., 6, wore a black hat and jacket along with sunglasses in his tribute to Jackson.
“I listen to his music all the time,” he said.
Crown Point resident Tammy Ryan created a stained-glass mosaic of Jackson using the image from the “This Is It” DVD.
“It took me a year to make this,” she said. “I have been a fan all my life and I wanted to show the family.”
Jackson’s first cousin, Keith Jackson of Gary, walked around the family home and front yard, reaching over the black iron fence to shake fans’ hands.
“It gets very emotional for me, especially when I see the fans,” he said. “We still have people come by almost daily to look at the house and take pictures. There are fans here now crying and thanking our family for giving them the chance to reflect on Michael.”
Gary Mayor Rudy Clay told the crowd that every year Jackson will be honored.
“He is our native son and we love him,” he said.
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