You've added this video with the title
"Highlights from Spike Lee's Prospect Park Birthday Celebration of Michael Jackson's Life and Music". To change this title, or add tags or comments,
click here.
Even Madison, WI had its own celebration of Michael Jackson's 51st birthday over at The Majestic Theatre. It was coldish and windy outside. Aside from celebrations in Mexico City (where participants beat the world record for dancing to "Thriller") and in Europe, this was the Big One, in Brooklyn. And even in the rain, they came out in memory of Michael. Thousands of them, so said the New York Times. Including the police commissioner.
It was a Brooklyn family affair where, for once, being packed like sardines felt like a privilege. Aside from a brief, 10-minute sun shower, there were no disruptions. And if sun showers produce rainbows, then the audience represented every color in it.
The crowd included little girls in colorful princess dresses and matching rain boots, mothers who carefully navigated strollers over the wet grass, hordes of college students, Michael Jackson look-alikes and a diverse mix of 30- and 40-somethings, who gathered to dance and sing to the melodies of a man whose music spans 40 years.
Spike Lee, the Rev. Al Sharpton, comedian Tracy Morgan and radio personalities Ed Lover and Free traded the microphone on stage, exciting the crowd with words of love and support for Michael, while DJ Spinna played some of Michael’s most popular standards: “Thriller,” “P.Y.T.,” “Rock With You.”
Again, there were no arrests. No fights. No public intoxication.
Nothing.
add a comment