As I ride my motorcycle through the streets of Gary, Indiana on July 5, 2017, I immediately notice poverty. Gary reminds me of a ghost town with vacant storefronts, boarded up buildings and houses and empty streets.
I’m excited for the opportunity to visit the childhood home of the late Michael Jackson and his siblings Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Randy, La Toya, Rebbie and Janet.
Joseph Jackson and Katherine Jackson purchased a two-bedroom home on 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana while Joseph Jackson was working at Inland Steel and Katherine working part-time at Sears in 1950. Joe and Katherine had 10 children. One of their children Brandon died after he was born. Joe and Katherine raised nine (9) children in their small two-bedroom home before the Jacksons became famous.
I pull up on my motorcycle to 2300 Jackson Street and park in front of the only nice house on the block. The black wrought iron fence surrounding a perfectly manicured lawn was locked to prevent visitors from walking up to the house. The small white house had security shutters on the windows to prevent criminals and visitors from looking inside. There are also security cameras installed on the house. The large granite memorial statute for Michael Jackson in the front yard with images from various stages of his career and some lyrics from his popular songs. On the side of the house in the driveway are donated bricks with some pictures of Michael and the names of family members. Behind the house is an alley. There are plastic flowers and handwritten graffiti expressing love and admiration for the Jackson family. Across from the alley is Roosevelt High School where some of the Jackson children attended. According to various news sources, the memorial statute for Michael was removed in October 2017 and in the possession of the family.
A childhood friend of the Jackson’s was there during my visit doing some surveillance on behalf of the family. He confirmed Joe and Katherine currently owns the home. The family is interested in doing something more Jackson family related since it is more like a Michael Jackson monument. He was taking pictures and sending them to Jermaine Jackson. The family is thinking about doing a Jackson’s family museum since Michael’s estate may not be interested in doing it right now and it’s important to honor the entire family and their efforts in music. He is a local designer that works with the Jackson family.
The Jackson’s achievements, music and legacy will live on forever.
Click play to watch the video below of visit to the Jackson family home.