Sharpton, in L.A., envisions global day of mourning for Michael Jackson

The Rev. Al Sharpton arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon from New York and said the Jackson family had invited him to help devise ways to honor the pop star. 

“This man changed the world,” Sharpton said. “He changed pop culture. Michael Jackson broke down barriers.” 

Addressing a group of reporters at LAX, Sharpton said Jackson’s legacy as a cultural icon should be the media’s focus, not his controversial past.

 “He never got credit,” Sharpton said. “He was not a freak, he was a genius....He was not somebody who was eccentric. He was an innovator.”

 Sharpton said he would meet with the Jackson family later today. He said one way to honor the pop star might be to create “a day of mourning in key cities around the world on his birthday.” Sharpton also mentioned a gathering at the Apollo Theater in New York scheduled for Tuesday night.

--Alan Zarembo at Los Angeles International Airport

Comments

[simon mulaga]

Jackson was a nice person, i came to know Micheal Jackson when i was 7years old as a king of pop. may he rest in internal peace

[simon mulaga]

The death of Micheal Jackson as brought more pain to people who knewed his and the fellow Musicians may almight God bless the family members of Micheal Jackson by Simon from zambia

[Amy]

Blah, Blah, Blah...he's dead - move on. I am sick of hearing about this already. Let's get back to real people and real news.

[Tornadoes28]

Global day of mourning? That is the dumbest thing I have heard. We are talking about just a singer here. Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are frauds and are only interested in being in the spotlight.

[E. Lacey]

I concur with Rev. Al Sharpton and the Jackson family. Michael Jackson was not simply a singer...or a dancer...or an entertainer. Coming from very humble beginnings (Gary, Indiana; 8 siblings) and rising to the level of a world renowned, highly respected and loved human being was achieved solely through the grace of God. Michael Jackson not only had a great voice, but was a remarkable dancer, musical innovator and contributor to the growth of humanity. The impact that he had on society, including bringing people from varied countries, backgrounds and cultures together through his gifts and talents will not be matched in my lifetime. His music is prolific, inspirational and loving. It spans many decades, affected multiple generations of families and continues to affect families with young children today. His philanthropy and heart for others is widely known. Michael Jackson was a blessing to this world and his loving and pure spirit is truly missed. The extensive loss of the gift that was Michael Jackson will only be revealed in the days to come. May he forever be enfolded in the loving arms of God.

[Adam]

People who talk negative about Michael are very wrong.

Michael was not only a good singer or dancer but also he was a good person. He loved people, he loved peace, he wanted to change the world to be a better place.

Some few people didnt know Michael very well, he didnt deserve all those critiques he received when he was alive. I feel sorry for him, And i know he's in better place.

Listen to his song "heal the world", what a song? he got a very good message in that song.

Listen to his song "Man In The Mirror", it is a nice song which carries a nice message.

Listen to his song "earth", nice song and message too.

He has so many songs that carries the word love, he loved everybody. why these few people dont see that? we need to change. we need to pray for each other and stop hating each other.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.

[Michael O. Johnson]

Some of you people need to come to the real world. Michael Jackson JUST a singer? The dude is literally one of the most recognized pop culture figures in the world, if not THE most recognized. What he accomplished and his relevance for so long in the music industry for 40 years is nothing short of staggering.