FVSU Blog

I know there are thousands, if not millions of people all over the world who claim to be Michael Jackson’s biggest fan, but believe me when I tell you that NOBODY loved Michael Joseph Jackson the way that I did and always will. Now I’m no extremist. I would have never stalked him, nor do I idolize him the way some people did. After all, he was just a man. But he was a man like no other, and my love for him was sincere, and everyone knew it.

Just minutes after the news of his death was announced in the media, my phone was bombarded with dozens upon dozens of calls and text messages from friends, old classmates and people I haven’t spoken to in years all saying that I was the first person they thought of when they heard the news.  It was such a weird feeling to have people sending me condolence messages as if Michael was a personal friend or relative. But that’s exactly what he felt like to me. And I took his death HARD!

As I think back, I realize that MJ has always been a part of my life. I was born the year “Thriller” was released and like so many others, I literally grew up listening to this man. My late grand aunt would often tell me about the times she would take me shopping as child, and I would run up and down the grocery aisles telling complete strangers that Michael was my cousin, because I really believed he was.  In high school, I was known for my love of Michael. I knew ALL of his work, owned all his records and would randomly break out into classic MJ choreography between classes.

The love I had for Michael only grew stronger throughout the years. My college roommate thought I was borderline obsessed when she saw the theme I chose for my side of our room was, “The Michael Jackson Hall of Fame”. I had all of his original LP’s ranging from ABC to Dangerous displayed around the room. To make matters worse, in her opinion, I had the alarm clock on my phone set to the classic hit, “The Way You Make Me Feel” AND I would blast Michael Jackson (and Tevin Campbell ) everyday in the shower. After four years of living with me, the poor child couldn’t even stand to hear an MJ or Jackson 5 song. But that’s just how much I love him.

I love “The King of Pop,” so much, in fact that EVERYBODY knows not to say ANYTHING negative about Michael in my presence because I will defend his character and talent to no end.

This man has contributed so much to society, even beyond the realm of entertainment.  Yes, he is UNQUESTIONABLEY the greatest performer of all time, but he was so much more. People tend to speculate about the rumors (and lets stress the fact that this things are rumors) surrounding Michael’s personal life, but the FACT is this: Michael broke racial barriers, contributed to worthy causes and his influence changed music and changed the world. Michael Joseph Jackson’s legacy will forever be a part of black history, world history and MY history. WE LOVE YOU MIKE! MJ FOREVER!

- Tauheedah Shukriyyah Asad is the public relations specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fort Valley State University