The Man In The Mirror

Five years ago today we said good-bye to one of the most iconic figures of our time. He danced his way into our hearts unexpectedly as a smooth criminal and proclaimed that he would thrill us, leaving many remembering the times.

The legacy of Michael Jackson lives on today through holographic works, tributes, and in the hearts of renown performers all across the world. Our hearts were shattered that June 25th afternoon when news broke that the King of Pop was being transported to UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

Unknown to most, MJ was dead upon arriving to the facility.

When you think of Michael's rallying cry in hits like "They Don't Really Care About Us" and "Man in the Mirror", you can only think of courage. The unwillingness to let the ugly truths of our society crawl into a prevailing facade of the true nature of life was so prevalent in Michael's message. He taught us to look deep into what we are and what we could grow to be.

The irrevocable risks he took with songs like "Bad" and "Leave Me Alone" proved to be just what he needed to grab an audience's attention and not let go. But oh did he keep us grooving without remorse, pushing us to "Blame It On The Boogie". How could we forget the effervescent "Pretty Young Thing" we all wanted to be?

While accomplishing all these things, Michael encouraged youth to choose the right path and not to be lulled into another common statistic. When you see trouble, Michael said just "Beat It".

Growing up as a young child, Michael desired for there to be good in everyone and everything. He often longed to simply cut ties with the music industry his family so relied on and just open his little neighborhood candy shop in Gary, Indiana.

However, deep inside, he always knew he was destined to be more. Michael Jackson debuted to the world with the Jackson 5 in 1964 with hits like "I'll Be There", but came into his own in 1971. During this time he embarked on his journey of discovery and inspiration.

Jackson was more than the King of Pop. He was a songwriter, brother, father, actor, producer, businessman, director, dancer, philanthropist, screenwriter, and to many---a friend.

So as another year rolls around, we know that Michael Jackson will never truly be forgotten. We can "Ease on down the road carrying nothing that may be a load" because of all the intricate experiences and stories that this dynamic icon told.

Make sure to leave your special comments/memories of MJ below!

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