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Michael Jackson’s $300 Million Legacy
By Lauren Bayne Anderson
Michael Jackson died Thursday after going into cardiac arrest, at the age of 50. While no one disputes he was the King of Pop, what you may not have known is that he was a big philanthropist — to the tune of $300 million — to various charities. And a chunk of that went to scholarships.
In fact, in the Millennium-Issue of the “Guinness Book Of Records” Jackson was recognized as the Pop Star who supports the most charity organizations.
In 1986 Jackson gave $1.5 million to set up the "Michael Jackson UNCF Endowed Scholarship Fund”, aimed at students majoring in performance art and communications, with money given each year to students attending a member United Negro College Fund college or university. The scholarship has helped hundreds of students attend college.
Jackson also contributed to the Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund and many other charities aimed at education and special needs children.
The following is a list of some of the charities he publicly helped, taken from AllMichaelJackson.com:
- AIDS Project L.A.
- American Cancer Society
- Angel Food
- Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles
- BMI Foundation, Inc.— Support music education for gifted youngsters.
- Brotherhood Crusade
- Brothman Burn Center
- Camp Ronald McDonald
- Childhelp U.S.A. – Aims at meeting the needs of abused an neglected children—including education.
- Children’s Institute International
- Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund
- Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation
- Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
- Dakar Foundation
- Dreamstreet Kids
- Dreams Come True Charity
- Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
- Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
- Love Match
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Minority Aids Project
- Motown Museum
- NAACP
- National Rainbow Coalition
- Rotary Club of Australia
- Society of Singers
- Starlight Foundation
- The Carter Center’s Atlanta Project
- The Sickle Cell Research Foundation
- Transafrica
- United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
- United Negro College Fund Ladder’s of Hope
- UNESCO—The proceeds of one of his tours went to the education of children in developing countries.
- Volunteers of America
- Watts Summer Festival
- Wish Granting
- YMCA – 28th Street/Crenshaw
ElidaW2
4 months ago
MICHAEL JACKSON came after a series of events in USA:
THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT, THE WOMEN'S RIGHT TO VOTE, THE VIETNAM WAR, THE IRISH PEOPLE WERE TREATED AS TERRORISTS, THE EASTERN PEOPLE WERE TREATED AS SPIES, THE HIPPIES WERE TREATED AS SEX AND DRUG ADDICTS, THE REALTORS USED THE RED TAPE TO PREVENT PEOPLE FOR BUYING HOUSES, INVESTMENT FUNDS WERE CLOSED TO MOST PEOPLE.
It just a PITY that those who benefited directly and indirectly ARE THE ONES TURNING THEIR BACKS ON HIM by labeling "child molester" and "weird", even by being evasive. WE ALL NOTICED THAT RIGHT AWAY.
THE TRUTH is that Michael Jackson was ahead of his time. He was a genius who knew how he wanted things to be done. He was an AMBASSADOR OF GOODWILL who recognized people abroad as human beings.
THE BEATLES AND ELVIS PRESLEY WERE INFLUENCED BY BLACK MUSIC. SO HOW YOU ARE GOING TO COMPARE THEM TO MICHAEL JACKSON?
Michael Jackson suffered child abuse and endured painful surgeries most of his young life. He never recuperated from the emotional and physical pain. Those looking to get millions of dollars drove him deeper in his already pain. He WASN'T AN ADDICT. HE WAS TRYING TO SURVIVE THE PAIN.
HIS LEGACY IS ALREADY ON THE FIFTH GENERATION
ElidaW2
4 months ago
Michael Jackson made the video a mini-movie and used the television as a vehicle to reach people. He was a generous person, not only to local people, but to artists like Weird Al, LL Cool J among others. He should NOT be forgotten. HE SHOULD BE REMEMBERED.
AgwuC
4 months ago
he has always been different & he will always be that
AnnelieseX
4 months ago
Help nominate Michael Jackson for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize, by signing my petition at the link provided below...we know the great things Michael did for the Humanity- let's make sure the world remembers! Thanks, and pass it on.
Much Love MJ! You're the best!!
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/mjnobelpeaceprize/
MrAbbs23
4 months ago
R.I.P.
M.J.
K.O.P.
ClovisK2
4 months ago
congrats katie that was just to prove the cash was yours
AndrewN270
4 months ago
MJ even when people wronged you... you still gave to people. you have done something many of us could not do.
The king of Pop will live on forever...
but for now MJ...Rest in Peace
oxXCarlyXxo
4 months ago
----- WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS MICHAEL ----- You are actually the reason Im FINALLY pursuing my dreams. The dreams you helped me realize as a child... & those dreams came back to life even more when the world lost you. I forgot them for awhile but as youve always been able to do youve inspired me once again to keep going & KEEP BELIEVING!!! I hope you continue to do so while you sit beside God in heaven. <3
NauraG
4 months ago
It is evident that MJ has touched many lives in different generations and nations with his talents, wealth and desire to help mostly the less fortunate ones. His sudden death has shocked many and many dreams died along with him. However, what bothers me the most of his death is his spirit and soul. Did I or did others take time to pray for him while alive? This is to be considered. May the grieving family members and friends find solace in the peace of God.
TaushaL4
4 months ago
He truly was an angel! Thank you Michael for trying to make the world a better place!
MarieA47
4 months ago
MJ truly was a gift from God. I am proud that he was a part of my childhood and sad that I can no longer experience his genius. He has changed the world and we will never forget how he has touched every single one of us. Those who tried to scorn his name did not win. He was a troubled soul with a heart of gold. He was the best entertainer that ever lived and there will never be another. May you rest in peace in your Never Neverland, Michael. You will always be the best.
ShanieB2
4 months ago
MJ was an amazing person, amazing artist, and an amazing soul ! He wished to live forever, and I wish he would too!
FelixO53
4 months ago
HE WAS A GREAT MAN,WONDERFUL,PRODIGY AND GENIUS,INFACT MJ IS GIVING ME A RESTLESS NIGHT,COS I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT HIM EVERYDAY,MJ YOU STILL REMAIN IN MYHEART AND YOU WILL FOREVER BE REMEMBERED.FELIOKA
FelixO53
4 months ago
HE WAS A GREAT MAN,WONDERFUL,PRODIGY AND GENIUS,INFACT MJ IS GIVING ME A RESTLESS NIGHT,COS I'VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT HIM EVERYDAY,MJ YOU STILL REMAIN IN MYHEART AND YOU WILL FOREVER BE REMEMBERED.FELIOKA
AllisonS410
4 months ago
I am so proud to have grown up knowing who Micheal Jackson was although never met him personally. He was an awesome entertainer who wanted to heal the world and make it a better place through his music and his philanthropy spirit. God has smiled on him tenfold for is giving heart. May God take care of his hurting family, friends and fans. You will truly be missed MJ but never forgotten.