Michael Jackson News:Death Ruled Homicide; Apollo Honor; Birthday Celebration

Late musical icon Michael Jackson's death has officially been ruled a homicide by the Los Angeles Police Department and it is unclear if his physician, Dr. Conrad Murray will face any charges in connection with the case. Dr. Murray has been regarded as a person of interest when it was revealed that he was Michael Jackson's personal physician. Under questioning by police Dr. Murray admitted that he gave Michael various sedatives and sleep aids including the highly powerful surgical anesthetic Propofol on a regular basis and on the day of Jackson's death to help the musical icon sleep.  Dr. Murray also admitted that on the day of Michael's death, to giving him four highly addictive medications Valium, Lorazepam, Midazolam and Propofol intravenously to stop his insomnia but it was ultimately the Propofol the last of the sedatives, that killed him. It is unclear if Dr. Murray will have his licenses in Texas and Nevada (where he has private practice) revoked pending the outcome of this case. Meanwhile Jackson's elder sibling LaToya issued a statement thanking police for their timely response and their ruling in the case.

Meanwhile, The Apollo Theater has announced that it will inducted Michael Jackson into the Legends Hall Of Fame, the theater's highest honor. Jackson will posthumously be inducted next Spring at a benefit gala. Other inductees into the Legends Hall Of Fame include James Brown and Ella Fitzgerald. The historic theater also plans to archive the Tribute Wall-a 100 foot blue plywood wall adjacent to the theater that was erected by fans upon hearing of his death on June 25th.

Acclaimed film director Spike Lee is set to host a 51st Birthday celebration in Michael Jackson's honor to be held at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, NY on Saturday, August 29th, 2009 from 12noon-5pm at the Nethermead Meadow section of the park. The celebration held on Michael's actual birthday, will proceed as planned rain or shine. Jackson's music will be spun by renowned DJ Spinna on the turntables. For more information about the birthday celebration and to get travel directions visit Spike Lee's official website 40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks at www.40acres.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1465

Be sure to come back to The Society Hill for continuing coverage of Michael Jackson....

100th Anniversary Of The NAACP: The Struggle Continues

Congratulations are in order for the National Association For The Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on the celebration of their 100th Anniversary. The esteemed civil rights organization was established in 1909 as a response to the social and civil injustices that faced people of color. As the NAACP reflects on the first 100 years, the organization in no ways rests upon its laurels. The first 100 years were met with some of the same forms of social and civil injustices that have been disguised in a more malignant form. The struggle continues. Even as the struggle continues, the education and work of the NAACP must continue also. Every race, creed and nationality within the United States needs to know about and understand the role of importance of the NAACP. Let us make it our obligation to make younger generations aware of the NAACP and let us support the NAACP and the invaluable work that they do for the benefit of us all.

Here's to another 100 years for the NAACP.

In Memoriam: Frank N. Mickens (1946-2009)

Frank N. Mickens, the beloved principal of Boys & Girls High School in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and also known as the "Chancellor Of Fulton Street" passed away last Thursday at the age of 63. He was the principal of Boys & Girls known as "The High" for 18 years. He rose through the ranks of New York City education and in the process became a champion for education and a crusader for children. Frank Mickens established a standard and held fast to that standard without reservation and compromise. Although he had critics, he didn't care. Frank Mickens did education his way. The fruits of his labor were the manifestation of school test results, graduation rates and success stories. Regardless of the critics he had, Frank Mickens was respected not only in education but in the community for the results he achieved. He cared for each student under his guidance as if they were his own. When he retired in 2004, he still visited the school to see how everything and everyone was doing. Frank Mickens spent every waking hour he had at Boys & Girls High School. He was the first to enter the building and the last to leave at night. The level of his committment to education and the students and staff under his watch was and still is unprecidented. Frank Mickens was loved, respected and he most certainly will be missed. There will never be another Frank Mickens. God bless his soul.

In Memoriam: Frank N. Mickens (1946-2009)

In Memoriam:Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

Love him or hate him, Michael Jackson marched to his own beat. Michael Jackson was without question one of the greatest if not the greatest entertainer of the twenty-first century. For over 40 years, Michael sang and danced his way into America's living rooms and into their hearts. Starting with the Jackson 5, Michael made music that everyone could listen to. He was simply a musical genius. Regardless of what anyone may have felt about Michael's actions (or lack thereof) later on in his life, no one could argue about his music. He was a man for all seasons and a man for all times. There will never be another Michael Jackson ever again. He was a part of the global fabric of this society that can never be replaced and you can be sure that his musical legacy will live on.

In Memoriam: Michael Joseph Jackson (1958-2009)

Hello

Hello All...

Been out of the blogosphere for a minute but now I'm back....really busy with things...I haven't forgotten about you..will reconnect soon...blessings to all...

In Memoriam: Rev. Timothy Wright (1947-2009)

Rev. Timothy Wright was one of the elder statesmen of Gospel Music. Rev. Wright was a phenominal singer and composer and was an extraordinary preacher. Rev. Wright's strength in the midst of the tragedy that took the lives of his wife, Co-Pastor Betty Wright and grandson D.J. was a moving testimony to us all. Rev. Wright fought the good fight and has finished his course.

In Memoriam: Rev. Timothy Wright...

In Memoriam: David 'Pop' Winans, Sr. (1934-2009)

Pop Winans was the standard bearer for holiness and righteous living. Pop Winans lived the life he sang about. He sang what he believed and believed what he sang. Pop Winans was a husband, father, and grandfather...loved, respected and cherished by all. He will be sorely missed...

In Memoriam: David 'Pop' Winans, Sr.