In a Better Place

In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe. – Michael Jackson

I still have not really wrapped my mind around Michael Jackson’s passing.  Being an 80′s baby, his music was the first music that I really loved and identified with.  His Bad tour was the first concert I ever attended.  I can remember going back to school after the concert and sharing my Bad Tour Book with my class for “show and tell” (Bad video part 1, part 2).  I remember playing in my grandmother’s basement with my sister and cousins, watching the Thriller video over and over (which I was so scared of, but watched anyway lol ).  Learning all his dance steps and dancing and singing with family and friends.  Staying up late in anticipation of a new Michael Jackson video premier.  For so many of us, Michael Jackson’s music was more than just a record to listen to, it helped to set the tone for gatherings of family and friends.  It brought joy and excitement…it was magical.  It was a part of our culture and has been SO influential in helping to shape our culture today.  The standard with which Michael Jackson created his music and videos helped to shape what we see today.  Michael Jackson transcended cultural, racial, and generational boundaries.  He was the definition of true talent.  What his 50 years of life has given to the world is phenomenal, from his music to his caring nature, to the doors that he has opened for so many today.  My prayers go out to his family as we celebrate his life and legacy.

Better On the Other Side – A tribute to Michael Jackson – Produced by DJ Khalil, featuring The Game, Chris Brown, Diddy, Polow Da Don, Mario Winans, Usher and Boyz II Men

Images via Flickr, Wireimage, photobucket, & allmichaeljackson

Tagged as: Bad, Better On the Other Side, heal the world, Michael Jackson, Thriller, We are the world