From Famine to Fame

My first memory of Michael Jackson is during the darkest hour of my life and that of my country'shistory. I was born in Ethiopia, East Africa and was a tender age of 10 when my beloved country was engulfed by massive famine, hunger,disease and destruction. 5 million people facedapparant starvation and death.Although young in age, I can still recall the fear, the desperation and hopelessness that surroundedmy household as we watched emaciated children (children who looked and talked like me)onmy tv screen. I thought being black was a curse (we are shuned by the Gods) and low and behold amidst all that doubtand self-hate, I heard the brilliance and inspired liturgy of Billy Jean and themodern day prophet that is Michael Jackson.

His appeal was instant, universal & magnetic - his art was enlightened, overwhelming and theraputic. His music was angelic, healing and tranformative. From the firstnote of Billy Jean to the moonwalk - I felt connected to a highter being, a life force beyond that of earthly trappings, for I witnessed the infinite power of possibility, the unwavering passion for creativity and theeverlasting hope of one's destiny. Here was a youngblack boy from Gary Indiana,whorose from the ashes of poverty, discrimination, and apathy into a larger than life personalityadorned by riches of love and respectbeyond that ofany fame or material gain. For hewas able to change his path despite what meager means the world handedhim and rise above all hate and self-doubt tofulfil his life's ambition and prophecy.

Each time I hear Michael's music I am reminded that anyone (black or white, boy or girl, broken or whole)has the ability and the 'responsibility' to rise above the fray and give back to those wholost their way.His music fills me up with joy and confidence, it inspires me to dream bigger and better; encourages me to try harder, and most importantly it reminds me never to forget where I come from or where I'm going.

He is a genius, a prophet, he's everlasting. He is asymbol of hope to all children of war, starvation, alienation and desolationaround the world that have beentouched by his art, generosity and unbelievalbe chemestry.I will forever be grateful for his music forit changed my life, altered my outlook in life and informed my self-prophecy.