Friday, October 15, 2010
Absolutely wonderful news tonight from the Uncover Michael Jackson's Name (The Gardner St. School Issue Campaign) Facebook page! Michael's name has finally been uncovered!!! (Photo to the left is from today, from the campaign's FB profile. Please check them out and leave your comments!) This is truly something to celebrate!!! Victory for justice and for Michael! Please help us trend #MJsNameUncovered on Twitter! Thank you @HelpUncoverMJXx!
If you are unfamiliar with the history of this, here's a brief summary: In October of 1989 the Gardner Street School, where Michael once attended sixth grade, officially named and dedicated their auditorium to him in a ceremony Michael personally attended to accept the honor:
And thus it was the Michael Jackson Auditorium for many years. That is, until 2003, when the allegations against him were made and the strange decision was made to cover up his name on the building (just based on accusations, in a country where one is supposedly "innocent until proven guilty"). Even after Michael was acquitted entirely of ALL charges in 2005 it remained covered. It was a sad statement, sending a terrible message to the children and the community ... i.e., if you are ever accused, even if you are found innocent, your name will carry shame? It made no sense.
And then (finally!) came today: October 15, 2010! This uncovering of MJ's name is the culmination of a worldwide effort by our MJ fan family, such as those behind the campaign (God bless you, Jennifer, Karla, Ariel, Blessy, Melissa, Michelle, Nathalie, Sahar and Rev Catherine Gross), and every single person who promoted and/or participated in the effort. THANK YOU TO EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU!!!!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for your patience, your perserverance, your belief and your love and respect for Michael and his family. Thank you Taj, thank you Jodi Gomes, thank you Katherine!!! (Read this post on mjj-777 for more info on how this came about! Thank you, Seven!) And thank you even to those fans who didn't know about this campaign in time or who hadn't yet contributed, but wanted to ... for you also love Michael and have faith in the truth, and the truth will prevail! It's up to all of us to take these steps to clear Michael's name in the eyes of a misinformed public. This is one first step, but a hugely important one! I can feel Michael smiling right now, can't you?! :) And a big THANKS as well to the current staff at Gardner St School and the school board who finally listened and did the right thing.
Welcome back, Michael Jackson Auditorium! We love you, Michael!!!!!!!! This is just the beginning! ♥ ♥ ♥
"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable
faith in their mission can alter the course of history." - Gandhi
Great news! MJ's name uncovered on school auditorium!
We're sending out a major love!
4 COMMENTS:
LIVE STREAM right now! (As of Oct 15 at 8:30pm Pacific time)
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/uncover-mj-s-name
Check out more pictures, a statement from Katherine Jackson and more on the campaign's website!!! http://www.facebook.com/UncoverMJ
Check it out, L.A. Times:
Michael Jackson sign is restored at Hollywood school!!!!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Robert Alaniz October 15, 2010
(213) 241-6766 #10/11-089
MICHAEL JACKSON’S NAME ON DISPLAY AGAIN AT GARDNER SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
Elementary School’s Most Famous Alum Recognized for His Musical Legacy
Los AngelesThe silver, foot-high letters gleam once again, proclaiming The Michael Jackson Auditorium at Gardner Street Elementary School in Hollywood. It is the last public school attended by Jacksonthen an 11-year-old sixth grader who was the lead in a singing group with his brothers. Three months after school started, Motown released their debut album “Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5.” And, the young entertainer was on his way to becoming an international star.
“It’s important for the District to value the artistic impact and humanitarian contribution that will be the lasting legacy of Michael Jackson,” said Los Angeles School Board member Steven Zimmer. I’m happy that we will be recognizing and appreciating Michael’s LAUSD moment.”
The sign was originally unveiled at the then newly-refurbished auditorium in 1989. However, when the King of Pop was charged with child molestation, the sign was covered with layered board. For the record, the entertainer was never convicted. After his death last year fans began a campaign to have his name revealed.
At the direction of Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines, the tribute was uncovered today.
“In recognition of Michael Jackson’s musical legacy and contribution to modern culture I have directed our maintenance and operations department to remove the layered board covering the tribute to Mr. Jackson at Gardner Street Elementary School in Hollywood,” said LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines.
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On Saturday 16th October 2010, @tajjackson3 said:
On behalf of my grandma, we are thrilled that the "Uncover Michael Jackson's Name Campaign" has come to a happy conclusion. Here is a direct quote from my Grandma. "After a number of heartfelt conversations between me, my grandson Taj, family friend Jodi Gomes, and LAUSD, I am overwhelmed that the school will proudly bear my son's name on its auditorium once again. This could not have been done without the tireless dedication of my son's fans and specifically the wonderful members of the "Uncover Michael Jackson's Name Campaign". I look forward to my joint statement with the school in the coming days and thank you from my heart. Michael would be proud". - Mrs. Katherine Jackson
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