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FinalCall.com News
National News
Supporters show love, support at Michael Jackson's arraignment
By Dora Muhammad, Askia Muhammad, Nisa Islam Muhammad and Charlene Muhammad
Updated Jan 27, 2004 - 7:15:00 AM
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (FinalCall.com) - As the sun rose above the Santa Barbara County courthouse here January 16, it greeted hundreds of fans braving the cold chill of a California morning to show their love and support for pop superstar Michael Jackson.
Many had arrived as early as 3:00 a.m., traveling from across the country and around the world in order to catch a glimpse of the man who had sung his way into their hearts and minds.
"We’re here to support Michael Jackson because he’s a wonderful human being. He embodies a Christ-like spirit because he loves humanity. The media doesn’t show the many things that he’s done and given to the world," said Kaya Gibson, who traveled from Kansas City, Missouri.
Dorcas Bennet, who traveled from Jamaica, echoed this sentiment, "He has a beautiful soul and has contributed so much to society and the world. In every country, people know Michael Jackson. They also love Michael Jackson."
According to several published reports, a crowd of nearly 1,000 (one report by Associated Press noted an estimated 3,000 people gathered) stood outside the courthouse where the arraignment took place. Making his way from his vehicle to the courthouse entrance, Mr. Jackson’s spirit noticeably lifted from the pensive, quiet mood that surrounded him as he emerged from his residence that morning.
As he headed to the courthouse, he greeted and shook the hands of excited fans pressed eagerly against two temporary fences set up along the walkway. He told one of his cameramen not to film him, but instead to tape the fans. "Show their faces," the artist urged quietly.
Arriving in court 21 minutes late, Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville opened the proceedings by advising Mr. Jackson that he would not tolerate what he termed, "an insult to the court." The judge also said that he would place a gag order on the lawyers, and would keep sealed most of the court documents pertaining to the search of Neverland Ranch on November 18.
Joined by his family in court—his mother Katherine, father Joe, sister Janet and brothers Randy, Jermaine and Tito, Mr. Jackson pleaded not guilty to charges of child molestation. He may not have to appear back in court on February 13, when the court will resume to set a date for a preliminary hearing, which will determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial.
"This man is here under a legal lynching," said Malik Zulu Shabazz, a member of Black Lawyers for Justice, as he led some fans in spirited chants of "Free Michael Jackson." "They didn’t do the Catholic Church like this when they were charged with child molestation. They didn’t raid the church with hundreds of police. Why do this to Michael Jackson?"
"Racism permeates this case to the core and all the way to the courthouse," continued Mr. Shabazz, who also leads the New Black Panther Party. "Robert Blake is accused of murder and he only had a $1 million bail, but they give Michael a $3 million bond."
Meanwhile, the superstar’s hits like "Thriller," "Dangerous" and "You Are Not Alone" played over loud speakers from trucks of several local radio stations eliciting bursts of singing from the crowd, which was a unified mix of Black, White, Red, Yellow and Brown people—a rainbow coalition perfectly reflecting the Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie 1985 hit "We Are the World" written for United Support of Artists for Africa.
Were these numbers surprising?
"No," said Minister Tony Muhammad, Western Regional Minister of the Nation of Islam. "There has been a build-up for the last two weeks on how the fans would respond from their love of Michael. So, we’re not surprised at all to see this enormous amount of support for Michael Jackson.
"With his great humanitarian work, he’s touched people of all colors. Therefore, people are just here to see that he gets proper justice. It’s just a beautiful show of support," he shared.
Hundreds of people from Los Angeles and Las Vegas traveled to the arraignment in cars and chartered buses. Najee Ali, executive director of Project Islamic Hope, was one of the coordinators of the "Caravan of Love" bus trip.
"I’m here to show the world that we support Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson should be treated as if he’s innocent until proven guilty," he said. "We saw Michael Jackson under a tremendous strain over the last several weeks that many of us feel is bogus, but Michael showed his strength and determination by not bending to outside pressures who seek to divide and conquer the Jackson camp."
In fact, rather than appearing defeated, Mr. Jackson stepped out of the courthouse after the hearing with a cheerful attitude. Once again, he greeted his fans behind the fence along the walkway, and then to the welcome surprise of his supporters, he mounted the roof of his black sport utility vehicle, so that he could wave and blow kisses to his fans in appreciation of their adoration of him.
His new co-lead counsel, attorney Benjamin Brafman—a member of the legal team that worked to get an acquittal in 2001 of Sean "P. Diddy" Combs when he faced bribery and weapons charges—was quoted in a news report saying that "this was spontaneous love."
Ecstatic crowds reciprocated this love as the caravan began to leave the venue. Some threw themselves on his vehicle, clinging to the sides, screaming "Michael! Michael! We love you!" Others ran alongside and behind the caravan’s lead vehicles. Several members of the police and sheriff departments were forced to physically pull fans from the trucks, as others helped others from falling.
Despite the temporary celebrity fever that took over the crowd, no arrests were made and eventually the police secured the caravan with an escort to the freeway.
USA Today reported that Lieutenant Ken George "commended the Nation of Islam for its assistance" in bringing order during the departure of Mr. Jackson’s caravan.
On the return trip to the ranch, many stood outside their businesses, on porches and in front yards to wave or give thumbs-up from parked cars along the road. One trucker hurriedly snapped photos from his big rig, using a disposable camera, while another supporter stood outside of her fence holding a sign that read, "Michael Jackson is a good neighbor."
Approximately 1,000 fans followed, accepting his written invitation to join him at Neverland Ranch after the hearing. He is well known for opening his miniature theme park, including a full service movie theater, amusement rides, game rooms and refreshments to the sick, underserved, and sometimes forgotten children of the world.
Busloads of fans were taken from the courthouse to the ranch, where young and old escaped into play land, enjoying good company, good food, good music and good will. Some were fortunate enough to greet their host with hugs and handshakes. Others emerged from his quarters in tears, speechless, holding autographs.
Zaynab Samateh of L.A. said Neverland made her feel like a kid all over again. "He’s just a kind man with a kind heart and the truth will come out. He will prevail," she said, reflecting on how Mr. Jackson continues to open his property for the enjoyment of others, in spite of his ordeal.
