The black funeral of Michael Jackson

I have heard from a few people white and black that have commented on the same issues. I for one was somewhat disappointed that the african americans seemed to embrace Michael as "their own." and to me seemed to suggest that now it is the white race that rejected him in his times of need of support. I don't remember it being that way. Michael transcended race because of is personality that shone through, not just because of his choice of a wife, although they were white, the ones that we know of. I think he would be disappointed to see that the Jackson Family, although the memorial was elegant, they did not include some of Michaels closest friends today.
Good honest article

were sorry about his death, we are his number 1 fans please type back soon

hi i really didnt not care about what jackson did in his life cuz it wuz private n it was no ones buisness and when i watched his memorial i started to cry cuz i felt as if every one had judged him in a cruel wai jackson was trying to complete his child hood cus he neva had a child hood so it was really sad ppl fought rong bout jackson n now hes gone i feel guilty of judging him in a rong wai al this guilt will sta wiv me for the rest of muy life. MICHAEL JACKSON WAS A WELL MANNERD PERSON AND I HOPE HIS CHILDEREN WILL GT ON WIV THERE LIFE N ALWAIS REMEMBAH THEIR DAD. THANKYOU. REST IN PEACE JACKSON

What was his DNA make-up? That should tell you something. His roots are in the heart of the South.

at the end of the day, Michael Jackson was a Black Man...no matter how much "claim" Mainstream America wants of him...he was ALWAYS embraced by the Black Community, most of his friends were Black, his MOTHER is Black....Mainstream America has no right to cry racism against Black America...Im so sorry but you seriously need to get over yourself

Who cares about color! He was a human person as any white human. Each have cultural differences but that’s what makes us interesting. It never crossed my mind about skin colour at his memorial service. It was done with great compassion. I would be proud to be black if it were the case but because I’m white I am proud of this memorial. One of our brothers has left this earth. Life can be cruel, look beyond racism it would make a better world for both you and me.

Jackson was born a black african american man and died a black african american man. The fact that his skin changed it's appearance due to vitiligo does not make him any less african american. I saw plenty of photos from times when his skin was whiter at the memorial. They played some of the 'you are not alone'video for god sake and his skin looked porcelain white in that! Michael was an amazing entertainer and a wonderful human being. I don't care what his skin looked like. His blood was african american. I'm irish btw

What a very strange article, tell me more about the writer than what the writer wrote about.

In death, one thing is quite certain: WE ARE ALL EQUALS.

It's very sad and disappointing how fickle people are. True - Michael Jackson was a black man however in looking at his family, we see that some of them are white and some are black. I think it was very inappropriate for Jamie Foxx and others to make comments after Michael Jackson's death claiming that he belongs to black people. While he was alive Michael Jackson stated that he was proud to be African American and proud of his roots. He also mentioned that he was not trying to deny his race. Ultimately he was trying to change his appearance so he didn't look like his father although I understand what people meant in saying that he belongs to black people. Thinking back to the struggles of black entertainers and blacks in general and the race barriers he broke through the years. He and others paved the way for so many blacks and gave us a voice when the white world wouldn't hear us. Michael Jackson did many commendable and memorable things that will be attributed to him being a rising star and representing African Americans. However he is not an object or possession and MICHAEL JACKSON BELONGS TO NO ONE EXCEPT HIS CREATOR!

Steve wrote:

Who cares about color! He was a human person as any white human. Each have cultural differences but that’s what makes us interesting. It never crossed my mind about skin colour at his memorial service. It was done with great compassion. I would be proud to be black if it were the case but because I’m white I am proud of this memorial. One of our brothers has left this earth. Life can be cruel, look beyond racism it would make a better world for both you and me.

Ya. It shouldn't matter, but the issue being raised (title of thread) is based upon color.

My point is irrespective of his color (his DNA comes out of Africa for the most part). Doesn't matter so much about what his skin ever looked like.. His sub-CULTURE is (was) AA or Black.

Also, he is (was) American.

fascinating read, thanks

very well written and perceptive article..there is not a hint of bias in this, just frank (and sorely needed) analysis of the culutral, racial and societal divides that are present in the US.
This was a hairy subject to tackle, but you did it with eloquence and honesty! Great job!

actually michael did have relationships with black women. he had a long term affair with diana ross, and had a short romance with his nanny. he just didn't publicize all of his romances. he was a very private person, and yes i agree with jamie foxx's statement - he was a black man whose roots were planted firmly in black culture. black americans historically have shared elements of our history and culture with mainstream america - michael's music was an element that broke barriers and transcended racial boundaries.

As Jamie Foxx said "We [African Americans] shared him with the world" that was truly awkward as a fan of another race and culture.

It's sad that only in death did "his" community embrace him. They were to late. The world has embraced him as their own. He is that special.

"There is no piercing death wail, no garment rending, no ceremonial dance. So, instead, the British applauded."

I also applauded when I heard of M.J.'s death.

any real fan knows micheal wants to be seen as a man first not just "a black singer" even though he is black he was apart of everyone, at the end of the day everybody knows hes black

also please stop thinking just because 1-2 stars who are black say something ignorant or just say something period they ar now the speaker for how all blk people feel.

any real fan knows micheal wants to be seen as a man first not as just "a black singer" he touched the whole world and wanted to be apart of the whole world..at the end of the day everybody knows he is black and will not take that from him..

also just because 1-3 black stars say something ignorant or just period doesn't make them the voice of black people, not all blk people feel the same way

Qudsiyah-------- london wrote:

hi i really didnt not care about what jackson did in his life cuz it wuz private n it was no ones buisness and when i watched his memorial i started to cry cuz i felt as if every one had judged him in a cruel wai jackson was trying to complete his child hood cus he neva had a child hood so it was really sad ppl fought rong bout jackson n now hes gone i feel guilty of judging him in a rong wai al this guilt will sta wiv me for the rest of muy life. MICHAEL JACKSON WAS A WELL MANNERD PERSON AND I HOPE HIS CHILDEREN WILL GT ON WIV THERE LIFE N ALWAIS REMEMBAH THEIR DAD. THANKYOU. REST IN PEACE JACKSON

Well said.

Humble, polite and well mannered is what all those who had close contact with him in SA say. The only diva request we've heard of is that he called the hotel manager at home in the middle of the night and requested fried chicken and fries, saying that no one in room service wanted to make the meal for him. I think he was too embarassed to call room service himself and order such a heavy meal in the mddle of then night. I thought about that when Magic Johnson mentioned KFC.

I am so sad about Michael's tragic death. I had to write a Tribute song and now you can download it for Free and share it with all your friends. Let's all sing this song for Michael together. He is the Angel of our time!
http://zindy.com/Angel_Of_Our_Time_Master.mp3

Oh for God's sake! I still cannot believe that people wish to still separate each other.

FACT - The Jackson family ARE grieving!
FACT - Michael Jackson's Children are grieving!
FACT - Michael Jackson's friends and colleagues are grieving!
FACT - Millions of fans are grieving!
Regardless of what colour we are, what country we come from - people like you and me are hurting - because that's what we humans do! Black, white, pink, red, coloured, animal like - it is absolutely irrelevant.

I personally found the memorial incredibly moving. It included mixed cultures, embraced all religious beliefs, and there was no sign of racial issues for those who were there. The only racial issue is in this stupid article. Always looking for the negative!

Like Marlon Jackson said -'Maybe now Michael, they will leave you alone'! Do we really need to start on his surroundings? Grow up! Listen to Michael's music, listen to the lyrics and messages - and celebrate his life.
Why is common sense not so common?

Rest in Peace sweet Michael - my heart goes out to ALL those who are hurting over your passing, and to all those hurting over other things going on in their lives.