It seems like it was just yesterday… As we approach the brink of the one-year anniversary of the King of Pop’s untimely death (June 25th), it appears that in the last few weeks Michael Jackson has become the hot topic of discussion. His frequent resurgence in the media has MJ fanatics getting more than their fill, but for those of us who consider ourselves more of fans than feens — in other words, we have a healthy appreciation for his music and his life — ESSENCE.com catches you up on what has transpired in the last few weeks leading up to the one year anniversary of MJ death. Check the timeline:
May 26 Janet Jackson takes the “American Idol” stage for the series finale with a new short haircut and her signature sass. Performing her songs, “Again,” the new “WDIGM2” tune “Nothing,” and her classic “Nasty,” many said the performance was reminiscent of her older brother Michael, and reminded many of how much his presence is missed.
May 30 Reportedly, Jackson leaves his kids with bank. Although Jackson placed strict limitations on his children’s inheritance by only entrusting them with 40 percent of his estimated $300 million estate, that still equates to an estimated $33 million dollars for each of his three kids. Prince, 13, Paris, 12, and Blanket, 8, will obtain control of their father’s finances from estate lawyers and overseers by the age of 40. Meanwhile, nothing was left to his father or siblings. The remaining 60 percent was divided as follows: 40 percent to his mother Katherine Jackson, and the remaining 20 percent will go to charity.
June 2 Last year, Stevie Wonder spoke at the televised Memorial Service for his longtime friend Michael Jackson, whom he said he greatly loves. A year later, while visiting the Forest Lawn gravesite of his mother, Wonder and his three children pay their respects to Jackson, who was laid to rest nearby.
June 3 Confirmation was given by Rudy Clay, mayor of Gary, Indiana, that the $300 million project to build a Michael Jackson museum in Jackson’s hometown is underway. Clay revealed the museum will be financed by donations from private investors, while the city of Gary has also provided 300 acres of land on which to build the attractions. Construction on the Jackson Family Museum and Hotel and Michael Jackson Performing Arts and Cultural Center and Theaters will begin as early as next year according to Jackson’s father, Joe.
June 4 Randy Jackson revealed that for the one-year anniversary of MJ’s death, his grave site will be open to the public. Randy explains, “Beginning on June 25, the anniversary of my brother’s death, fans will be able to go right up to the mausoleum and drop off flowers and pay their respects. Michael loved his fans, and the family wants to make sure that the fans are able to celebrate his incredible life.”
June 5 There may not be a King of Pop museum in Indiana after all. Jackson Estate attorney Howard Weitzman said the pop star’s “music name, likeness, memorabilia and other intellectual property are assets exclusively owned by the Estate and cannot be used without permission.” Furthermore, the attorney said, “The Estate of Michael Jackson was never consulted about, nor is it involved in, the Jackson Family museum being proposed in Gary, Indiana. The Estate has no connection to this project.”
June 8 The Executors of Michael Jackson’s Estate plays no games. The “Forever Michael” tribute allegedly planned by the Jackson Family Foundation, may not be as official as they claim. The foundation may have to refund fans the $150 ticket price, because the event has not been cleared by MJ’s estate. The tribute which was to be held in Beverly Hilton Hotel, will not happen if the event doesn’t get the proper clearances and sanctioning by Howard Weitzman and other estate executioners.
