By Stella

Like many of you, I was simply jarred yesterday …floored to learn that Michael  Jackson, the most prolofic entertainer ever– was no longer with us. Well before main stream media delivered this disturbing news, social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook were on fire, buzzing with the tragic news about Michael’s death. I hoped and prayed that the text messages and tweets I received from family members and @breakingnews @huffingtonpost were wrong. ) This is such an epic loss. Such a sad time for the world.

Remember Michael Always

Today, let’s remember Michael– without getting caught up in controveries that swhirl around his name. This is the time to mourn his loss–to  reflect on what Micheal Jackson’s music meant to us instead of focusing on his financial or personal issues.

My life is marked by Michael’s music. When I think of Michael Jackson’s music, I remember some of the happiest moments of my life. Like staying up past 11:00PM to watch the first reveal of the “Thriller“ video and singing a part of the  ”Man In The Mirror” for my high school graduation.  And  how can I forget that back in the day (in the black community), if you were amoung the first to own a newly released copy of Michael Jackson albulm you had  MEGA bragging rights!

Generations Love Michael

Michael’s music  has carried us through much of our collective struggle. The Jackson’s were Black America’s first, first family. We were proud to see them use their musical gifts to transcend racial inequities.  Michael Jackson broke musical and social barriers and we should respectfully remember him for his amazing musical and charitable contributions.

Look closely and  you will notice  the principles of Kwanzaa  at work his life. For example he was fueled by self-determination (kujichagulia) and  anchored by faith (imani).

Go ahead…put on one of your favorite  Michael Jackson songs and share your thoughts.