Dear Mr. President:

PLEASE MAKE PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE DEATH OF MICHAEL JACKSON

Last Thursday, June 25, 2009, the nation and the world were shocked to learn about the untimely death of Michael Jackson. He did not only produce a music album that out-sold any other music album, he created music that transcended gender, age classification, politics and race that motivated black people and white people in America and peoples throughout the world to accept each other in a way that culture-wise had not happened before in America.

Forerunners of Micheal Jackson in the pursuit of justice that included Martin Luther King, Jr., and other Civil Rights leaders paid a great price to break down racial barriers legally, in public accomodations, voting and housing but it was Michael's music that transcended color and politics that caused people to morally be loving and respectful of others. His music did what no other person or the law had done. It touched the human spirit and caused people to think and live love rather than color. His music is unique, original and beauty par excellence.

Rev. Al Sharpton stated it well when he said, "Michael Jackson made a culture accept a person of color way before Tiger Woods, way before Oprah Winfrey, way before Barack Obama." Michael did with music what they later did with sports, politics and in television. And no controversy will erase the historic impact." To that I say "Amen."

In light of the foregoing Mr. President, on behalf of people of every race and nation, I call upon you to make a public statement that acknowledges the death and significance of Michael Jackson.

For the public to have been informed of your reaction to Micheal's death a day after he died during a White House briefing by your Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and two days later by your Senior White House Adviser David Axelrod on NBC's Meet the Press that you had written a note to Micheal Jackson's family expressing your condolences to the family is not sufficient. This seems more like you taking the advice of your adviser than following your heart. Mr. President, you speak for all Americans and I believe, that like myself, the majority of Americans want you to issue a public statement acknowleging Jackson's death and contribution to humanity. Just yesterday I attended a Democratic Party picnic in Charlottesville, Virginia. During that event I asked people to raise their hands who felt that you should publicly acknowlege Micheal Jackson's death. The majority of the people there agreed with me. Mr President, I hope you agree.

I think Rev. Sharpton was right when he said that Jackson's music has helped to make it possible for you to have been elected the first African American President of the United States. Having been actively involved in the Montgomery Bus Boycott several years before Michael was born, I realize that African Americans have come a long way and Michael has played a part in that "stride toward equality." So, Mr. President, please make public acknowledgment of the death of Michael Jackson.

Respectfully,

Uriah J. Fields
Clergyman, social activist, author

P.S. Uriah J. Fields, at that time a pastor in Montgomery, Alabama, was original secretary of the Montgomery Improvement Association that provided leadership for the Montgomery Bus Boyoctt. (Electronic mail, June 29, 2009)