On Tuesday, Joe Jackson was presented with the key to the city of Gary by Mayor Rudy Clay, heard about updated plans for the proposed Jackson Museum and Cultural Center and unveiled a new street sign in honor of the Jackson family at 2300 Jackson St. in front of the original home of the Jackson Five.

The entire interior of Gary City Hall was decked out with large, fresh-cut flower arrangements and draped fabric swags, while signs reading “Welcome Home Joe Jackson” covered all the doors and windows.

Clay said during a brief morning ceremony:

“This key not only represents the key to Gary, but also represents the key that will unlock the door of the future Jackson Family Museum.”

Clay, Jackson and Joel Rodriguez, special assistant to the mayor for the department of development, had also met for a roundtable discussion before the key ceremony to discuss plans for the Jackson Family tribute property. The concept first was unveiled by former Mayor Scott King during Michael Jackson’s 2003 visit.

Afterwards they left to lunch at the new Dusty’s Buffet Restaurant inside the Gary RailCats stadium.

“We, as the Jackson family, are proud of our Gary roots,” said Jackson, whose last visit to Gary was nearly two decades ago.

So much has changed here since my last visit. There are great days ahead for Gary.”

He was particularly pleased to see an easel in the main foyer of Gary City Hall displaying a photograph of Clay with Obama, or as Joe Jackson described him: “the next president of the United States”:

“Myself and my entire family supports Obama and he will be our next president.”

Source: NWI Times

Category: General News