- by Scott Colothan
- Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Rev Al Sharpton Tells Michael Jackson's Kids Their Dad 'Wasn't Strange'
The Reverend Al Sharpton delivered a powerful speech at the Michael Jackson memorial service and told the King of Pop's three children “There was nothing strange about your daddy.”
Michael's three children – Prince Michael (12), Paris Jackson (11) and Prince Michael II 'Blanket' (7) – were sat on the front row of the Staples Center near their father's casket when the Reverend said kind words to them.
Towards the end of his rousing speech, he said: "I want his children to know there was nothing strange about your daddy, it was strange what your daddy had to deal with.”
Earlier on, Sharpton – a close aide of the Jackson family – praised Michael for helping bring racial harmony to the world.
"It was Michael Jackson that brought blacks and whites and Asians and Latinos together," he said.
Elsewhere in the fiery speech, he praised Michael's legacy saying: "Michael rose to the top. He outsang and outdanced and outperformed the pessimists. Every time he got knocked down, he got back up. Every time you counted him out, he came back in. Michael never stopped."
To see photos of the Staples Center ceremony, click here
Stevie Wonder: 'I Wish I Didn't Live To See Michael Jackson's Funeral'... Next 
Lovebox Festival 2009 - Day One In Photos
Doves, Twisted Wheel, Kid British Rock Manchester
Kasabian Unleash New Album At London's Brixton Academy
- That was beautiful
- One of the best speeches I have ever had the pleasure of listening to
- One of the best speeches I have ever heard!
View 1 Reply
- Rev. Sharpton, I comment you such a wonderful speach. I guess this finally answered the comment Larry King made in an interview , he kept asking Jermaine didnt he find his brother Michael strange: sitting in a tree writing songs!
No, there was nothing strange about Michael... just what he had to deal with. I missed work to watch all of this memorial from Tn. I didnt move untill it was over, I am so thankful I watched it.
My heart goes out to the family, children. We will all miss Michael.
- What a wonderful tribute to a talented, sensitive humanitarian. He transcended all races and religions. There will never be another one like him. Michael was different as the Rev.Al Sharpton reminded us. He was different in a good way. People never allowed him to live a 'normal' life yet they were the same people who labeled him abnormal. Shame on them. Bless you, Michael. May you rest in peace. Until we all rock again.....
» View all 14 comments~ by friend 7/7/2009
~ by Sasha Keyrouz 7/7/2009
~ by T.LA 7/7/2009
~ by Cathy 7/7/2009
~ by Linda 7/7/2009
Register now and have your comments approved automatically!