MJ Hollywood Star PEACE, UNITY and JUSTICE Vigil – May 15th
by Betty Byrnes
"When people's minds are clouded by anger or hatred, no angel can reach them."
by Michael Jackson
I made a friend today. His name is Jovahn. I met him at MJ’s Hollywood Star. At first glance I have to be very honest here… I thought with a grimace, “Oh geeze! Another one of those Hollywood Blvd. impersonators”, and wondered to myself if the
day would be a long one.
Why are humans so keen on judgment of others? Why is it easier to judge than to love, to criticize than to try to understand, to focus on the differences, mistakes or short comings of others rather than give them the benefit of the doubt, that very benefit of the doubt that we ALL crave so much? Maybe it just takes effort and we are too busy?
I don’t know but we are all guilty of it. Maybe it is just easier to turn your head and live in ignorance. Maybe it is easier to feel superior? All I know is that Michael Jackson has taught me many, many lessons in LOVE. Today was no exception.
So here I was on Hollywood Blvd. at the appointed time and spot with several other fans that I love dearly to promote PEACE, UNITY and JUSTICE for our beloved angel, Michael Jackson. To honor this beautiful soul who has touched billions of lives around the world.
This regal King who mastered the ability to walk in grace and dignity, who draped himself in LOVE and peace rather than resentment and judgment of others.
If there was anyone in this world who should have lashed out it was MJ but instead he always chose the higher ground. He chose LOVE. This is not the earthly answer to vicious attacks on your character. This strength and nobility had to come from God.
The answer to how MJ empowered that LOVE in his life is found in MJ’s own words:
“Each day I take time out to study the Bible, no matter where I am. The teachings of the Bible have added a new dimension to my life. It, somehow, makes me whole."
“I will never stop helping and loving people the way Jesus said to. He said continue to love, always love. Remember the children, imitate the children.”
The impersonator approached me with a friendly gesture and pointing at the flowers and candles at Michael’s Star asking, “Why are you doing this?” I explained the cause we were promoting for MJ. He gave me a very long inquiring look and said “So you really loved this Michael Jackson?” I was a bit perplexed hearing this question come from someone dressed as MJ and said “YES, of course. You don’t?” Then Jovahn explained. “I don’t really know him, you see, I am from Haiti. It is a very poor country. I grew up with no TV or electricity.
I did not know much about Michael Jackson at all until coming to this county. I chose him to impersonate because he was the most famous entertainer in the world. Someone told me I looked like him. I needed money and they told me to dress up like him and stand here on Hollywood Blvd. Can I ask you something please?” I was a bit taken a back and instantaneously felt the crispy layer of judgment fall from my shoulders. I glanced down at MJ’s star and a vision of MJ on my TV set sprang to mind. He was dressed in a red shirt, pleading with a broken heart, huge brown eyes, imploring the public to “Please don’t judge me until you know me.” Looking back up at Jovahn with an open mind I replied “Yes, go ahead.” He then said… and I will never forget this…”Why are people so cruel to me? Why do they say such horrible things to me?” I asked him what type of things and he said “They call me names, terrible names. Like some really don’t like Michael Jackson. Some even throw things at me. I am not him. They don’t even know me and they call me names. I don’t understand this. But you and your friends really loved him?” I gave an emphatic “Oh Yes!” and then explained as best I could in a few short words the lies and hateful attacks Michael Jackson endured in his life. Jovahn then said “Well, please help me to understand. I am a black man and I just don’t understand why he turned himself white. How could he do that and betray his race?
I was told he bleached his skin.” I then proceeded to explain Vitaligo and how it was not Michael’s choice or fault but a skin disorder he suffered from. Jovahn then expressed that he wanted to know more about Michael Jackson and asked many more questions.
I answered as best I could. He was hungry for the truth.
I started out to promote Peace, Unity and JUSTICE on Hollywood Blvd and I ended up making a friend. I love Jovahn’s hunger for the truth and his open mind. He kept a very watchful eye on all of us as we loved, hugged and comforted one another. He listened intently to our conversations. He never moved from that star the entire day and evening. Never once took a break. I watched him as he fell in love with a man he didn’t even know by seeing the LOVE we all have for our KING. Love for Michael Jackson is contagious to those who are open to the truth. Jovahn said he was very eager to learn more about Michael Jackson and took my Face Book info.
He told me he wanted to study Michael Jackson. I thought to myself,
“Oh boy! Here again is Michael’s inspiring touch.”
Then said to him “Well get ready to be inspired and amazed!”
Yes I made a friend who touched my heart. I am so proud to know Jovahn.
Through out the day I met people who had traveled from all over the world just to see MJ’s star. Above is Sophien, who traveled from France to see everything he could that was related in any way to Michael Jackson. I asked him “Do you love Michael Jackson?”
His response was “Oh YES! YES! I traveled from France here to visit the places
of Michael Jackson.” Many of the fans talked about Justice for MJ with visitors to to MJ’s Star, people like Sophien. We celebrated Michael’s musical genius and were entertained
by tribute artist Goward Horton as he showed us an array of
his great MJ dance steps and then led us in prayer.
We watched little children squeal “Mommy! Michael Jackson!” and sit down next to the star for pictures. Literally 100’s of people stopped to get a picture next to Michael Jackson’s star. One impersonator loved hanging out with us so much he went and changed into street clothes and came back to sing MJ’s songs.
The Janet Jackson impersonator hung out with us all day and joined in our cause.
So we sang, laughed, hugged, cried and prayed together for MJ.
Although the Blvd was bustling and loud we managed to hold hands and pray for Unity, Peace and Justice for MJ in three separate prayer circles throughout the day and evening.
Majestik Magnificent, Joe Jackson’s spokes person stopped by to support our efforts for Peace, Unity and Justice for MJ and took pictures with the fans.
Eddie Jones the leader of the Los Angeles Civil Rights Association and Geraldine Hughes,
the author of a beautiful book, “Redemption”, which contains the truth about the innocence of Michael Jackson, led us in prayer in the evening session.
Tourists even joined in the prayers, singing and pictures.
At the start of this venture many asked me “Why the Star? Why not hold the vigil at Forest Lawn?” Truthfully I didn’t really have an answer for them but after today I now know that answer. It is at MJ’s Star where you meet the world, reach the world, and educate the world about MJ’s innocence and the need for Justice for Michael Joseph Jackson and his family.
The Vigil ended so appropriately with a miniature MJ tribute artist,
who dances at MJ’s Star for tips, showing off his best MJ moves for the crowd.
Michael Jackson continues to touch the hearts of children and inspire them to excellence. This little dynamo had so much heart and was amazing!
All in all there were 50-60 fans that attended off and on through out the day and evening, from various MJ fan groups. We were all ONE.
I was so thrilled, blessed and proud to be a part of this event and
I am looking very forward to the next Vigil on
Sunday, June 6th, 5:00 – 11:00pm.
Please come and join us!
“So We is not a choice anymore, not if you and I want to grow with one another. We unites us, increases our strength; it picks up our burden when you and I are ready to let it fall. The truth is that you and I would have given up long ago, but We won't let us. It is too wise.
"Look into your hearts," it says.
"What do you see? Not you and I, but only We."
Excerpt from “I You We” by Michael Jackson, “DANCING THE DREAM”
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See A Video Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7z_0PXlnsg
This video was created by one of the fans who attended named Corona which also shows footage of Corona at her dance class later. ;-)
Thank you so much for sharing this with us Betty!