David and his Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait team created a very special day for deserving kids. Imagine being a kid from the inner city and suddenly finding yourself walking down the red carpet with the stars of the movie you’re about to see.
The last day before Thanksgiving break, a group of 60 students from three Crenshaw District public schools walked down the red carpet with celebrity guests. Together, they all became dots in the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait.
The students performed a rendition of a Michael Jackson hit in front of Jermaine Jackson and special guests from the film, including Jackson’s musical director Michael Bearden, “THIS IS IT” vocal director Dorian Holley, guitarist Tommy Organ, drummer Jonathan Moffett, and background vocalists Judith Hill and Ken Stacey.
Also honored in person with dots in the portrait were Tatiana Yvonne, who co-starred with Jackson in “The Way You Make Me Feel” video, Louis Gossett, Jr., and additional surprise guests. Afterwards, all were treated to an exclusive screening of “THIS IS IT.”
The event was hosted by the AMC Magic Johnson theatres, and organized in association with May May Ali (daughter of Muhammad Ali) and Torré Reese of FAMLI, INC. (a nonprofit after school enrichment/mentoring program). The event honored students from Audubon Middle School, and Crenshaw and Dorsey High Schools.
Reflecting on the event, David said his favourite memory of the day is the sparkle in one kid’s eyes the moment a CNN reporter explained the meaning of the V.I.P. badge given to all the students. “It means you’re a Very Important Person.”
Click on the images below.
