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Al Sharpton, a longtime friend of the Jackson family, said he was to meet with them on Sunday to discuss ways in which Michael Jackson's life can be celebrated on the global stage.
Michael's father, Joe Jackson, "seemed very saddened but determined to keep going and protect his son's legacy," Sharpton told the Associated Press. He also said the family feels the media has focused too much on Michael's problems, such as his heavy debts, previous child abuse allegations and his use of prescription drugs.
Sharpton said the family is considering his idea of having massive, simultaneous celebrations of Jackson's life across the globe, so "the media would have to be focused about how millions of people felt about him." The family is particularly concerned with creating an upbeat view of Jackson for the sake of his three young children, Sharpton said.
"They are very worried about his children ... that they don't grow up with a distorted world view," he said.
Meanwhile, Sharpton and his National Action Network will team with the Apollo Theater in Harlem to honor Jackson on Wednesday, July 1, at 7:30 p.m. with special tributes during the evening's Amateur Night.
Sharpton and the Apollo also have plans to produce a star-studded tribute to Jackson later in the month of July. Details will be announced in the near future.
