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One Black Fan's Reflection

One Black Fan's Reflection

Hugh Gaddy · Tuesday, July 7th 2009 at 3:50PM · 285 views
Michael Jackson was exactly 13 months older than I. As a young kid growing up in the 1970's, Michael and his brothers were Positive Role Models for me and thousands of other Black children of that generation.

No disrespect to his present-day fans, but there's a Unique and Special Connection people my age will ALWAYS have to Michael Jackson... before the videos, before MTV, before Thriller... We saw his genesis as an entertainment legend. We were there from the early days of "Big Boy" and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah." We witnessed the Purity of his Soulfulness on the Hollywood Palace, Soul Train, American Bandstand and Sullivan. We grew up with him.

Today, as I watch the memorial and heareveryone speak about how how global Michael was (and he was), I'm MOST PROUD that this phenomenal BLACK MAN came from OUR Community. He represented and respected his culture and history. He proudly carried on the musical legacy of other great R&B artists upon whose shoulders he stood. I'm sure Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, Billie Holiday, Joe Tex and others are proud and waiting to embrace him.

Rest In Peace, Michael... THANK YOU for the Time and Gifts you gave us.

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Hugh Gaddy Hagerstown, MD
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Comments (4)

Jen Fad Tuesday, July 7th 2009 at 4:14PM

It was a truly moving ceremony.

O Z Gore Tuesday, July 7th 2009 at 9:14PM

The unconditional love Michael shared with the world will always have its mark on our hearts. He was such a gentle loving soul.

MIISRAEL Bride Saturday, July 11th 2009 at 8:52AM

"We grew up with him."

So many of us did grow up with, and consider him part of own family in some kind of special way.
Thanks Gaddy.

ROBINSON IRMA Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM

Hugh, I would like your out look on this one. I am listening to MSNBC as I was reading your post and they were talking about the Democrats seem to be getting fall out about the resolution offered by Rep. Jackson Lee at the momeral yesterday.

My mind went to Oh,oh this resolution is going to lead to a Michael Jackson holiday.(smile) So what do you think about this matter?

I thought I felt on top of the world yesterday watching the honor and respect given to a person so deserving of our thanks for gracing our lives, and thinking that we will now have more music like Michale Jackson's where the whole family can sit and enjoy it together as we use to be able to do...This will come to pass as times continue to send us back HOME, now a holiday in spite of the music that has come to dominate and demean our people (especially our Black women) is going to be changed also(?)But, today I am even more happy and if possiable more proud to be a member of the African-American race than I was during the memoral ceremony yesterday!!!!!!!!!!

This is CHANGE I can now believe in that will be able to over rule greed in the music Black industry...

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