It’s funny how inspiration for this particular article came from another one of my idols, Kobe Bryant. Announcing his retirement to the world of basketball and beyond through a letter to the sport he lived, the Black Mamba articulated his love, but more importantly, his readiness for the next adventure. It was heartfelt, creative and humanized a man known throughout his career as a lethal assassin on the hardwood.

Hanging up his Nikes to pursue different endeavors, Michael Jackson didn’t quite retire in the fashion most desire in life. Taken from the world, the matter of his death was controversial and opened the door for questions many didn’t have the answers to. Assumptions and opinions were formed, conspiracy theories inundated all channels of communication and the comeback event of any generation canceled for palpable reasons. Hell, I found myself doubting what skipped across the television screen and sought solutions elsewhere.

I’ve seen every Will Smith product (Movie and television show alike), I’ve attended several Kobe Bryant basketball games. It’s a hard pill to swallow, knowing I’ll never witness the greatest entertainer of all time live in concern, however.

Still, with all the bad that walled his death and the events to follow, many never sat back and reminisced on the good. With all his flaws, allegations and difficulties. Michael Jackson loudly fell from praise and good graces into the depths of deceit and contempt. Equally loved and hated isn’t a fusion befitting a King. So this article serves only one purpose:

To say Thank you for everything you’ve given me.

Thank you, Michael Jackson

For being your truest self. You were born into humble beginnings and the future appeared to be of a typical mold similar to many from our background and of our color. Still despite your location, your poverty and the disdain that came with being a boy of color, you had an undeniable talent that wouldn’t be overshadowed by the negativity of your circumstances. You were the first true inspiration to many African-American boys (not men), giving them a new sense of hope. You showed us we are not our environment; we are not our circumstance. Born decades after you, I knew that same encouragement at a very young age and for that, I can’t thank you enough.

Thank you, MJ for gracing us with your uniquely undisputable voice and electric dance moves. From the sweet melodies produced as a child to the edgy rasp that came later in your life, there was no period in which anyone sounded like you. Artists today volume in imitation of sound, but after a moment’s listen, it was evident that confusing anyone with the King was impossible. Your moves were iconic—well beyond your years—as you slid across the stages in the United States to European soil. A savant of the arts, you lacked both classical vocal training and dance tutelage, but were mountains above the average.

Thank you for setting a standard of black excellence. Before there was a Tiger Woods, an Oprah Winfrey and even a Barack Obama, there was Michael Jackson. A world leader and icon across the continents, your 1982 chartbuster “Thriller,” swept over the globe with a conquering force of the likes we’ve never seen—and most likely never will again. Through your pieces of art, you helped bridge the world through music, dance and film that seemingly—if continued—could become the cure for racism. You did all this with a smile on your face, energy in your feet and charm in your words. A true example of what it meant to be both Black and Great.

Thank you for showing up that having a strong work ethic wasn’t a bad thing. Your colleagues spoke highly of your commitment to your craft. Hours, days, weeks months forming years of training and studies cultivated the natural talent you possessed into skills that paved the way for generations to follow. Your dedication to always improving not only yourself, but the world around you won’t be matched on any level and will continue to spread its influence, even after your untimely death.

Thank you for your timeless music. Where would we all be without the musical seductions of “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “PYT,” “You’re not Alone,” “Don’t Stop till You Get Enough,” and the other countless hits you have under your belt? I know I personally wouldn’t be as charming or suave without your advanced tunes. You told a number of stories, and despite the changes in your appearance and ow the world perceived you, your fight against injustices and for mankind were consistent throughout your musical career.

And finally, thank you for giving a damn. In a world consumed in its own hatred, very few managed to separate themselves and stand for more. An activist for not only his people, but the world as a whole, you gave not only your fortune, but your time and love to a number of charitable causes that changed lives. A true humanitarian, you understood something people today still haven’t grasped—we can’t make it on our own. We’ll only survive if we work together. You cared little for color, race or faith. You didn’t separate people by the regions they were raised in, or beneath what religious house they aligned themselves with. In your eyes there was only one constant: love.

Love was the solution and your music was the equation.

So thank you for sharing your gift with us. Thank you for loving us when we didn’t deserve it at times. Thank you for inspiring the masses and giving hope to where there wasn’t any before.

Thank you for being you.

Love always,

The World