The Black Urban Times Remembers Michael Jackson

Tribute Executed By: Krusher Kronkite

As we observe the one year anniversary of the life of Michael Jackson his death remains shrouded in mystery as there are questions surrounding his untimely demise that remains unanswered. Dr. Conrad Murray the physician that was charged with involuntary manslaughter involving the death of Mike was allowed to keep his medical license as it could take months for the case to go to trial. To make matters worse his children continue to suffer under the stigma associated with their father's enigmatic presence on earth as Katherine, the kids grandmother recently stated that they are isolated and have no friends.

A year ago fans drove by blaring his songs as millions around the world viewed his tribute on television honoring his memory and legacy. Bootleggers mass produced his image on t-shirts as corporate leeches reaped enormous profits with commemorative licensing of products from Wal-mart to the local dollar store. Michael Jackson's estate a year later is worth almost a staggering billion dollars but pales in comparison to the loss of one of music's greatest performers of all time. His brothers immediately managed to secure a reality show on A&E (The Jackson's A Family Dynasty) no one really wanted to see as they spent most of their time arguing and behaving like spoiled children as many would see why Mike would obviously stay estranged from his fraternal siblings in the first place.

Sadly Michael Jackson's life and death served as a symbol of complexity of a man struggling to find the balance between his public and private life that ultimately took its toll on the troubled 50 year old. Jackson was a reflection of a child that is carefree and lies dormant inside many of us that is buried beneath the constraints of adulthood with its constant pressures and responsibilities. The differences between our lives and Jackson's was the simple fact that his was an open book for all the world to see as we as human beings struggle with our own demons away from the prying eyes of the media and constant glare of cameras to ridicule. His legacy should serve as a testament of the rigors of fame and fortune and I find comfort that he has found peace that has eluded him in life.

No one can relinquish his contributions in a society that is most likely to focus on his trials and tribulations instead of his illustrious career spanning the past four decades. Elvis Presley who is also considered a cultural icon died from similar circumstances related to drug abuse and has rarely been the focus of his career as we know the reason for this omittance of discussion in the media today. Death is a presence we all must embrace one day regardless of our social or economic status. It transcends all racial boundaries and tax brackets and unfortunately there are no such thing as dead millionaire in the end. It is my wish to honor Michael Jackson by celebrating his triumphs and admonish his failures and I strongly believe that was the way Mike would have desperately wanted it in life. "Happy Anniversary Michael"! I'm pretty sure yourself and James are dancing on the clouds by now.

Krusher Kronkite "King of The Sting"!