Michael Jackson The Humanitarian

The death of Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009 reminded the World of Jackson's amazing talents. Michael Jackson once again was the King of Pop and celebrated for his singing, dancing and live performances. But now that the funeral is over, and now that the media blitz has slowed, it time to wonder what will Michael Jackson be most remembered for? Will be his music? Or will it be the allegations of child molestation?

Certainly the allegations against Jackson and much of his odd behavior will tarnish his legacy. But let's not forget that he was never convicted of any crime and a jury in Santa Maria found him innocent on all charges, despite the fact that no one would have been shocked if Jackson had been found guilty.

Michael Jackson's life was filled with contradiction. The same man who was a force of nature on stage was shy and soft spoken in interviews. A man who loved children was accused of child molestation. Yet, through the good times and the bad, Michael Jackson always tried to improve the world through his humanitarian efforts. Whether by money, time or message, or simply befriending a young kid with Aids when no one else would, Michael Jackson's legacy must include the fact that he was a humanitarian at heart.

On May 14, 1984 at a small White House ceremony, Michael Jackson received the Presidential Public Safety Communication Award from President Ronald Reagan. Jackson received the award for allowing "Beat It" to be used in television and radio ads against Drunk Driving. This is just one small example of Jackson's effort to better society

Jackson throughout his life volunteered his time and donated his money to causes around the world. Throughout his life Jackson supported numerous organizations including the AIDS Project LA, the American Cancer Society, the Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles, the Brothman Burn Center, the Dakar Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Sickle Cell Research Foundation and many others.

Besides his money, Jackson has also donated his time. He spent time with burn victims and soldiers returning home from war at Walter Reed Hospital. He donated his time and efforts to bring awareness of starving children in Africa and in the United States.

Perhaps most importantly, Michael Jackson combined his amazing talents with his humanitarian efforts by producing music with a humanitarian message. Be truthful, what other artists have produced music for radio play that talks about healing and changing the world and had it be successful? Michael Jackson placed music of peace and love on the Billboard Charts and millions heard and love the music and its message.

Along with Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson wrote the song We Are The World in 1985.  The song was performed by a group of 45 entertainers that included Jackson, Richie, Bob Dylan, Kenny Rogers and Ray Charles.  The purpose of the song was to raise money and bring awareness to the plight of the People of Ethiopia who were in the midst of a famine.  In all, We Are The World raised over 63 million dollars.

 In the Spring of 1988, Michael Jackson released as a single the song Man In The Mirror.  Man In The Mirror was off of Jackson's seventh solo album, Bad.  It made #1 in the charts and was one of Jackson's most critically acclaimed songs.  It received massive airplay and remained on top of Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks.

Man In The Mirror also contains a humanitarian message.  It is the only of Jackson's numerous music videos that does not feature Jackson.  In fact, Jackson only appears briefly towards the end as part of the video's montage. Instead the song about self reflection and changing the world for the better features both the face of evil and the face of humanity throughout the twentieth century.  Despite its noble goals, Jackson's message of change was a pop hit and one of Jackson's most remembered songs. 

Michael Jackson released Heal The World in 1991 as part of his album Dangerous. Of course, the message is simply that love and peace can heal the parts of the world. Like Man In The Mirror, Michael Jackson does not actually appear in the video itself, but rather shows children from around the world. In a 2001 internet chat with fans, Jackson stated that Heal The World was the piece of work he was most proud of. Jackson named one of his foundations after the song, the Heal The World Foundation that focuses of improving the lives of children from war ravaged countries and to teach these children how to help others.

 Some may dismiss Michael Jackson because of never proven accusations.  Some might dismiss him because of the way he looked or the way he acted.  But his acts of kindness around the world can never be dismissed.  The plain and simple truth is that Michael Jackson selflessly helped millions of people around the world with money and time.  And yes, his messages of peace of love in his music can also be dismissed as somewhat naïve, but don't we all feel a little better when we hear it?  That is the power of a true humanitarian.