Michael Jackson Day In Brooklyn

Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz will present a proclamation declaring August 29 Michael Jackson Day in Brooklyn. Rev. Al Sharpton will supply the prayers and DJ Spinna will in charge of the music.

Thousands are expected to crowd the Nethermead Meadow on Saturday to celebrate the life of Michael Jackson on what would have been his 51st birthday. The party was moved to the larger Prospect Park when organizers realized that the crowd would exceed what they first anticipated.

The event will be free and will be from noon to 5:00, rain or shine.

Organized by Spike Lee, who filmed Michael in Brazil for the "They Don't Care About Us" short film, said of the party "It's going to just be how we do it, Brooklyn style, I'll leave it at that. It's going to be a joyous, festive, celebratory party."

Police Department spokesperson, Paul J. Browne, said that while the police do not have a precise estimate of how many people to expect, they suggested the move from Fort Greene Park to Prospect Park. "It seemed reasonable to anticipate over 2,000, and that it would be more prudent to have a larger venue as a result," he said.

City Councilwoman Letitia James of Brooklyn is also scheduled to speak. Recently, Councilwoman James remarked to a reporter that the Hoyt-Schermerhorn subway station should be renamed or co-named after Michael, sparking much debate. The short film, "Bad," was filmed by Martin Scorsese at the station.

Ms. James said on Thursday that she simply advocated having a plaque placed at the station in honor of the singer, not actually having the station renamed. “I have worked on a lot of issues — education, affordable housing, crime,” she said. “I’ve never received more e-mails than I did as a result of this recommendation.”

Spokesperson for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Jeremy Soffin, said that New Youk City Transit prohibits plaques and memorials from being placed in stations. "Regarding naming rights, we are in the process of developing guidelines and protocols to pursue appropriate sponsorship opportunities, but we are not considering naming for memorial purposes."

Source: MJFC / NY Times