The pic above is from the dedication wall that runs about a quarter of a block on 125th St. next to the Apollo. It was taken on Saturday, June 27, 2 days after Mr. Jackson passed but was already covered in sharpie memorial RIP messages, and 2 plastic covers and brown paper so more people could write their goodbyes. I wrote a message for my best friend and sister, and her 5 year-old daughter (my godbaby who i LOVE with all my heart!). My best friend and I met in college and we have been "shamon" to each other probably since then. I didn't realize how much it was a part of our vernacular until I was visiting them in May. We were getting ready to leave out of the house, my friend was in the car and little miss (my godbaby) says "Shamon, Ti-Ti!" I couldn't stop laughing! Shamon lives on :)
Fast forward to June 25, and MJ transitioned. I called my girl to talk about it, and I told her how happy I was that her baby would know who Michael Jackson was, even though she wasn't around during his hey day.
Fast forward to a slightly muggy slightly cool August night, I'm walking with one of my oldest friends (I'm talking elementary school) on 116th and 3rd. In front of us, this little Latino/indigenous boy about 3 years old, was dancing on the sidewalk. Upon closer inspection, he had on this tank top, shorts lil' hightops and sweatband; and was clearly doing classic MJ moves. This little dude was grabbing and thrusting his crotch while pointing the other arm out, spinning, moonwalking, all around jammin' out. It was like he was on repeat, he kept going over and over for minutes! We were so tickled! I had to stop and watch him for a bit, he was so serious with his. Even funnier, a group of 3 young girls that must know him from the block (ages 6, 7 and 10?) saw us watching, walked by and were making faces like "oh, he's at it again" and were cracking up. This little boy was so dope. Shamon lives on.
I think Michael is happy to see his legacy carried on in the children. He was openly dedicated to young people and creating peace through his music, art and influence. Children now still react to him the way we did, he's timeless.
Vh1 Classic played the below video/film on rotation the weekend he transitioned; I must have watched it at least 10 times in those 48 hours. Before his passing, I only remembered the 5 music video version from when I was a kid. But alas, there is much entertainment, comedy and drama jam packed into this 16 minutes. Amidst all that with, he maintains a serious message of peace, understanding and brotherhood. Who knew? :)
Happy birthday, MJ. I couldn't get out there and dance for you today, but I had a private party in your honor. I never realized how much you shaped my childhood and my world as a dancer and music lover until you passed. My dad and I used to watch music videos all throughout my childhood. I remember cracking up at "Shamon" and "Chickood," your ad libs from "The Way You Make Me Feel." And from then on "shamon" became a part of my vocabulary. It lives on. The legacy continues.
Watching all those videos again reminded me of your excellence at your art. I'm inspired by your work to give 200% in anything I do, especially creatively. Anything is possible. You gave it all for us and a better world, and we'll love you for it forever. Thanks for inspiring generations to come.
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