Today in History
On January 5, 1994, Michael Jackson presents the award for Best Choreographer to Debbie Allen at the 26th NAACP Image Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles, Ca. He was greeted by deafening cheers and a standing ovation, pausing now and then to tell the cheering fans, "I love you too"and "I love you more!". He then delivers a speech underlining the meaning behind the NAACP organization supporting equality of treatment for all races and human dignity, and exhibiting his sympathy to the NAACP members::
For decades, the NAACP has stood at the forefront of the struggle for equal justice under the law for all people in our land. They have fought in the lunch rooms of the South, in the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court and the board rooms of America, for justice, equality and the very dignity of all mankind. Members of the NAACP have been jailed and even killed in noble pursuit of those ideals, upon which our country was founded". Michael Jackson also re-declares his innocence regarding prior allegations of improper conduct towards a minor. He says, "Not only am I presumed to be innocent, I AM innocent, and I know that the truth will be my salvation. I have been strengthened to prove my innocence by my faith in God and the knowledge that I am not fighting this battle alone." Debbie Allen recieves her Award and began her acceptance speech by saying, "God bless you Michael, we're all on your side."
https://youtu.be/Tf8bLAnEsdY
Side Note:
In an article published by The Washington Post on October 3, 1994, it was reported that Johnnie Cochran was behind the NAACP appearance:
“ Cochran brought two busloads of inner-city kids and their parents to Jackson's Neverland ranch for a barbecue and free run of the private amusement park. He also had Jackson turn up as a surprise guest at the NAACP Image Awards, where the beleaguered singer drew deafening applause.”
