Video by: Cho Connor
Photography By: Bianca Bergeron
(Harlem, New York) The Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) recognized Joe Jackson, father of the late Michael Jackson and the patriarch of the Jackson family, on Saturday, October 24 at the House of Justice, the organization’s headquarters in Harlem, New York. Sharpton presented Jackson with a certificate to acknowledge his leadership in music and entertainment. Sharpton finds Jackson’s ability to bring his children to stardom despite unfavorable socioeconomic conditions inspiring.
“The Jackson family beat the odds and didn’t use an excuse to surrender,” Sharpton said. The activist hopes Jackson’s example will influence today’s black youth. “If a Joe Jackson can produce a Michael Jackson, then (today’s youth) can reach the stars,” Sharpton said.
Jackson felt honored to be recognized by the NAN. “I feel fantastic, like I’m worth something,” said Jackson with a big smile. “I feel great.”
The House of Justice was filled with more than 100 community and organization members. The mostly African-American crowd was comprised of all ages, as well as a local school for the deaf, equipped with a translator to sign Sharpton’s words. A band consisting of a drummer, pianist, and guitarist energized the crowd.
According to their website, the NAN, an organization founded by the Rev. Sharpton in 1991, promotes civil rights and social justice and decency.
This recognition occurred four days before the Michael Jackson documentary, “This is It,” is scheduled to release. According to the official website, the movie is a compilation of filmed rehearsals that will provide a behind-the-scenes look at what would have been Michael’s final tour, which was scheduled to be held at the O2 arena in London, England.
Joe Jackson expressed excitement about the number of tickets sold thus far. However, he has concerns about critics who may not like the movie.
“They think there’s gonna be a lot of nicer acting in there…it’s just him rehearsing. So I’m worried about that,” Jackson said.
Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, died on June 25 at his Los Angeles home. The Los Angeles Coroner’s office attributed his death to a drug overdose of the anesthetic propofol and the sedative larazepam, administered to Jackson by his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray.
In regards to what should happen to Dr. Murray, who is currently charged with the singer’s homicide, Joe Jackson is content keeping his opinions to himself and leaving the matter in the hands of others.
“The jury will take care of that,” Jackson said. “It’s for the Lord to take care of.”
