CSRA remembers Jackson at vigil

Staff photo by Noah Feit. Aiken resident and Michael Jackson impersonator Joey Fulghum performs at the vigil.

It's been almost a week since Michael Jackson died, but for one night, his spirit was alive and as strong as ever.

A prayer vigil was held Tuesday night at the James Brown statue in downtown Augusta, followed by a musical tribute in honor of Jackson, who died last Thursday. Hundreds of fans of Jackson's music turned out to honor the late King of Pop. Among the notables in attendance were two daughters of the late James Brown, Denise Brown and Deanna Brown Thomas.

"I've known Michael since he was a little kid. I grew up with Michael," Denise Brown said, as a PA system played the music that made Jackson famous. "I had to give back the love he gave my dad. My heart goes out to the Jackson family."

While there were somber moments, the mood of the crowd was festive.

"This is a candlelight vigil in celebration of his life and music," said the Rev. Larry Fryer of Stone Chapel CME Church, who led the prayer and helped organize the event along with WKSP 96.3 Kiss FM program director and morning show host Minnesota Fattz.

"I was the pastor of James Brown," Fryer said of the local son who was a tremendous influence on Jackson. "When I saw the respect Michael Jackson paid at James Brown's funeral, it led me to call Minnesota Fattz and tell him we should do something to honor Michael Jackson."

What the pair did was provide people close to Jackson and those who held Jackson's music in their heart an opportunity to share their joy and appreciation for the musician and entertainer.

"I'm here to celebrate the life of Michael Jackson," said 27-year-old Aiken resident Michelle Tabler, who came with a hand-drawn poster memorializing Jackson. "He's been a part of my life for 27 years. I danced around the house to his songs as a little girl."

Tabler wasn't the only person in attendance with a visible show of support for Jackson.

In addition to designing posters, fans were invited to sign a giant banner with memories of Jackson, wear clothes and outfits honoring Jackson, bring flowers and participate in a dance tribute billed as "The World's Largest Moonwalk."

Young and old alike were clearly touched by Jackson's music. Christina Rudolph, a 19-year-old Augusta resident who was born well after the release of "Thriller," made a poster of her own to honor Jackson and said she attended to support everybody else.

The event was also an opportunity for local entrepreneurs. C. Keith Brown, a 48-year-old Augustan and owner of First Impressions custom screen printing, set up a stand selling T-shirts and buttons memorializing Jackson.

"I'm like the rest of the people who want to remember Michael Jackson," Brown said. "I'm glad to see tributes going on around the country, remembering him for the great musician and entertainer he was."

Jackson's reach was far and left an impression on many, including Joey Fulghum. The 18-year-old from Aiken has been a Michael Jackson impersonator for seven years and came equipped with a red leather jacket, diamond studded glove and surgical mask.

"I haven't performed in a while. I was real nervous," said Fulghum, who performed on stage, dancing and lip-syncing to Billie Jean.

Fulghum was well received as were other performers and speakers who took the stage to honor the night's true star. Regardless of the controversies that surrounded him or his untimely death, Jackson left an indelible impact on residents of the CSRA.

"I just want to see people show love and support for Michael Jackson and his children," Tabler said.