KENT STATE UNIVERSITY HOSTS THE ONLY MAJOR CELEBRATION OF MJ's B-DAY IN N.E. OHIO

[Kofi Khemet]

Michael Jackson would have turned 51 years old next week on 8/28. Loved by millions, he was undoubtedly one of the world's greatest entertainers. Michael was not as well known as a great humanitarian. Yet, as we look over his donations over the years we find that he gave more of himself and his fortune than any entertainer, living or dead.

On the 28th-29th of August a celebration of his life will take place in Kent, Ohio sponsored by The Center of Pan-African Culture and the Michael Jackson Lives network. The Center is devoted to bringing to light the history of Africans worldwide. This event will bring to light some little known facts about Michael Jackson, while encouraging young people to engage in humanitarian efforts in their local communities.

The 24 hour celebration will begin on Friday 8/28 with a dance, featuring a live band, DJ Ricky Ruckkus and $100 in cash prizes for the best Michael Jackson impersonator. The dance will be held at the Robinhood Bar & Grille, starting at 9pm and go all night.

On the 29th the celebration will continue in The Center of Pan-African Culture, beginning at 9am and ending at 9pm that night. Cleveland Councilman Kevin Conwell will bring his group the "Drumbeat of the Community" to liven up the affair. Former Motown publicist Gene Shelton, who worked with Michael, will be delivering the keynote address in the evening.

Workshops, poetry readings and remembrances of Michael will be shared before the event culminates in the singing of Happy Birthday to the man of the hour and the cutting of a Vegan cake made especially for the occasion. This is only fitting since Michael was a vegetarian.

Vendors from around the area will be on hand all day and a special presentation of a surprise video will occur in the evening, following the cutting of the cake.

Set aside some time from your busy schedule. You won't want to miss the opportunity to be involved in the only major event dedicated to Michael Jackson in Northeast Ohio.

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