VOX Teen Blog

Courtesy Epic Records

“I just want to say, ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine,” 11-year-old Paris Jackson said at her late father’s memorial, which was televised live and re-aired worldwide. “And I just want to say I love him so much.”

I joined billions of others around the world in remembering the legend. Michael Jackson might not have been our father or friend, but we still loved him and feel his loss personally.

I spent the first five years of my life in Nigeria, and there, Michael Jackson was more than the King of Pop. He was everything. I recall late nights watching videotapes of his concerts with my family and friends and being in awe of how much talent could exist in one person. Almost 11 years later, I’m still amazed by his effect on the world and how, considering his extreme celebrity, he stayed humble, generous and kind.

I sometimes wonder, if a man that caring couldn’t get peace on this earth, then who should? All the allegations against this innocent, almost child-like man never made sense to me. He loves children, but not in a pedophiliac way, I thought every time news of another lawsuit against Michael hit the airwaves.

“I’m not Jacko, I’m Jackson,” I remember him saying to Barbara Walters in an interview for ABC’s “20/20.”  The cruel moniker “Wacko Jacko” was given to him by a British tabloid.

Of course, from the moment Michael’s passing was announced, there has been international press coverage of him and his family. Considering how the tabloids exploited every scandal while he was while he was alive, I find it ironic how the same media continue to air MJ tributes and stories of how the world is mourning his loss.

I find myself wishing that I could’ve met Michael and told him that not all journalists are against him, and that many of us supported him and loved him and wanted to see him continue to shine. I used to imagine interviewing Michael Jackon as the highlight of my journalistic career. I realize that I cannot do that now.

However, I can keep telling his story to future generations. I can tell them of the great Michael Jackson who I knew to have been nothing but a good man. I can show them how he redefined pop music and brought together generations.

I truly hope that Michael Jackson has finally found peace. As his brother Marlon said, “Maybe now Michael, [the press] will leave you alone”

— By Modupe Alabi | VOX Staff