(NNPA)—As I think about Michael Jackson, I am listening to John Legend sing “Green Light,” and thinking about Black men, music and movement. It seems redundant to add my thought to the many that have chimed in about the death of the icon of pop music, and at the same time, it seems so very necessary to offer the public wish that Michael Jackson has finally found peace. Without knowing the man (in the mirror) at all, my observation is that peace eluded Michael Jackson. He changed his appearance, lightened his skin, engaged in public drama, and apparently earned and lost a fortune. And, maintained a spirit of innocence and a soul of service. Wow!
In recent years, for millions of urban young people the end of the school year has meant the beginning of the fruitless search for summer jobs. And, unfortunately, in many of our cities, it has also meant misdirected idleness and a rise in youth-related crime and violence.
“Race has no place in American life or law.” President John F. Kennedy spoke these words on the evening of June 11, 1963, following the desegregation of the University of Alabama. In the speech Kennedy delivered that evening he chose not to appeal to legal arguments; rather he asked Americans to look into their collective hearts and weigh the moral question of continued racial discrimination. “The heart of the question,” said Kennedy “is whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities...”
Officially Father’s Day was celebrated June 21, but to those of us who have been blessed with wonderful daughters and sons, every day can be Father’s Day.
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