Gary, Indiana, is more than just another American city facing a crisis.
It is the birthplace of Michael Jackson.
It is the city where one of the most extraordinary stories in music history began. The modest home, the neighbourhood, the family, the first performances and the dreams that eventually took Michael Jackson from Gary to becoming the biggest entertainer the world has ever known.
And right now, the people of Gary need help.
Following devastating storms earlier this month, thousands of residents have spent an extended period without electricity, in the middle of the summer heat. Families have struggled without air conditioning, businesses have lost money and food, and vulnerable residents have faced particularly serious situations. The crisis has once again exposed the challenges faced by a city that has suffered from decades of economic decline, disinvestment and ageing infrastructure.
This is why I believe there is a question that needs to be asked:
Where are the Michael Jackson Estate and Lionsgate?
The Beginning of Michael’s Story
The timing could not be more significant.
The recently released biopic Michael begins with Michael Jackson’s story in Gary, Indiana. The city is part of the foundation upon which the entire story is built. Audiences are taken back to the beginning—to the place where the Jackson family’s journey started before the world knew their name.
Gary is not simply a footnote in Michael Jackson’s story. Without Gary, there is no Jackson 5. Without the Jackson 5, there is no Michael Jackson as the world came to know him.
The city has also never forgotten its most famous son.
For years, Gary has continued to honour Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. Since Michael’s passing on June 25, 2009, the city and its residents have repeatedly come together to remember him and celebrate his extraordinary legacy.
Yet today, while Michael’s hometown is in desperate need, there has been silence from the people and companies making enormous profits from that same legacy.
A Brand Steps Up Before the Estate
Perhaps the most striking part of this story is that an independent brand has already taken action.
Actively Black, a New York-based brand focused on supporting Black communities and businesses, holds an official licence to produce Michael Jackson clothing. The company was preparing to release the third drop of its Michael Jackson collection on August 29, Michael’s birthday.
But when the crisis in Gary became clear, the company decided to act.
The proceeds from the upcoming drop will be donated towards relief efforts in Gary.
Actively Black put it simply: the collection was originally planned as a celebration of Michael’s birthday. Now, it will become part of the relief effort for his birthplace.
That is an independent company with an official Michael Jackson licence deciding that, when a crisis affects Michael Jackson’s hometown, it should do something.
Fans have also started taking action themselves. Around the world, Michael Jackson fans are collecting funds, water and food and looking for ways to support the people of Gary, in Michael Jackson’s name.
That is what makes the silence from the Estate even more difficult to understand.
More Than $3 Billion and Still No Statement?
According to Forbes, the Michael Jackson Estate has generated more than $3.5 billion since Michael Jackson’s death in 2009. Of course, this does not mean the Estate has $3.5 billion sitting in a bank account. The Estate has had debts, taxes, legal battles and other major financial obligations to deal with. But there is no question that Michael Jackson’s legacy has become one of the most commercially successful estates in entertainment history.
And that brings us back to Gary.
Would it really be too much to ask for the Estate to make a donation to relief efforts? To send water, food or generators? To support families and vulnerable residents? Or even simply to issue a statement acknowledging what the people of Michael Jackson’s hometown are going through?
As reported at the time of Michael’s death, his estate planning included charitable beneficiaries, with reports stating that 20% of the family trust was intended for charitable purposes. However, the details of the private trust are not fully public, and I am not suggesting that the Estate has a specific legal obligation to establish a particular charity or to donate to Gary.
But this is not about legal obligations.
It is about moral responsibility.
Michael Jackson was one of the world’s most charitable entertainers during his lifetime, supporting dozens of organisations and humanitarian causes. His philanthropy was an important part of who he was, even when many of his donations were made quietly and without publicity.
Wouldn’t helping the people of Gary be a fitting way to continue that spirit?
And What About Lionsgate?
Then there is Lionsgate.
Michael has become the biggest film in the company’s history, and Michael Jackson’s story has played a major role in making that possible.
Gary is literally where that story begins.
With a sequel already planned, Lionsgate will continue to benefit from the remarkable story of a boy who came from Gary, Indiana and became a global phenomenon.
So perhaps Lionsgate should ask itself the same question.
What can we do for Gary?
A company of Lionsgate’s size could make a meaningful contribution to the city’s relief and recovery efforts. It could work with local organisations, support residents directly or create a dedicated fundraising initiative connected to the film.
Imagine if the company behind Michael announced that part of its success would be reinvested in the city where Michael’s story began.
That would not only be good public relations. More importantly, it would be the right thing to do.
Gary Has Given Enough
Gary has been struggling for decades.
The city has lost population, industry and opportunity. But despite everything, Gary has remained proud of its connection to Michael Jackson. Its people have protected his memory, celebrated his achievements and welcomed fans from around the world who travel there because of him.
Michael Jackson’s birthplace has given the world a cultural icon whose music continues to generate hundreds of millions of dollars and inspire generations.
Now, the people of that city are suffering.
The fans are stepping up.
An independent brand is stepping up.
The question is whether the people with the greatest resources and the greatest financial connection to Michael Jackson’s legacy, will step up too.
This is not about attacking the Michael Jackson Estate or Lionsgate. It is about asking them to recognise an opportunity to do something meaningful.
Gary, Indiana, is where the story began.
Now, as the world celebrates Michael Jackson once again through blockbuster films, music, merchandise and events, perhaps it is time to give something back to the people who are still living in the city that made that story possible.
Will the Michael Jackson Estate and Lionsgate step up for Gary?
I hope so. More than another same-old birthday bash in Las Vegas, I would much rather see a donation and real action being taken!
Sebastian for MJVibe
