[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 101 (Wednesday, July 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING MICHAEL JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 8, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a consummate 
performer, Michael Jackson, a man whose music bridged racial and 
generational divides, whose generous charity combated global poverty, 
whose kind and gentle spirit endeared him to millions. Thousands of 
people gathered outside the historic Apollo Theatre in my district last 
week, standing for hours to enter an at-times raucous, at-times somber 
memorial to the late singer. Along with Rev. Al Sharpton, film director 
Spike Lee, and Apollo President and CEO Jonelle Procope, I joined a 
packed crowd of Jackson fans on the very stage he began his career in 
1967, winning the Apollo's Amateur Night contest with his four 
brothers, the Jackson Five. We were there because his singing and 
dancing remain unmatched. We were there because he was as much an 
institution in our community as the legendary theatre we sat in. We 
were there because, all over this world, his love and warmth should and 
will be maintained.
  As a young boy who dreamt big and often, Michael Jackson sustained a 
decades-long career he began as a child in Gary, Indiana. He is a 
testament to young people everywhere that dreams are worth pursuing--
regardless of their size or scope. In this America, all great things 
are possible. He grew up before us all, adapting his style to match 
each passing decade and leaving a series of catchy, easily recognizable 
hits along the way. Jackson's music captured our imagination and never 
let go. His records are gifts he has left us and our posterity as 
remnants of a time that will live on in American history.
  As a person of color, who came to be highly regarded by Americans of 
all colors, he opened the door for other minorities to dare to achieve 
big. His music and dance moves were welcomed into living rooms across 
the country, without regard to his race. It was a harbinger of great 
things to come--Tiger Woods remains the best athlete in a sport not 
known for its diversity, the Top 40 Billboard charts feature a mix of 
Black and White musicians alike, and last January, we inaugurated this 
country's first African American President. His legacy eclipses its 
impact on the recording industry, the entertainment business, or even 
Hollywood--his life taught us an important lesson about race, about 
hard work, and about ourselves.

                          ____________________