He may (or may not) have been a child molester. He may have turned his mansion into a child's amusement park. Nonetheless, the late King of Pop holds the Guiness Book of World Records for "Most Charities Supported by a Pop Star." Jackson often donated to African nations, childhood cancer, and burn victims, but the most notable was his contribution in 1985's "We Are the World," co-written by Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones.
The song, alone, raised $63 Million for hunger relief in African nations, backed by the United Support of Artists for Africa (USA for Africa). Many members of USA for Africa--such Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, Willie Nelson, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder--sang in "We Are the World," making it an instant Billboard hit and a huge vehicle of influence.
As of July 9, 2009, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ignored a resolution to honor Michael Jackson, publicly announced at his memorial on July 7th by its sponsor, Rep. Jackson Lee (D-Texas). Pelosi felt a Jackson resolution was not fitting, due to the controversial happenings of Jackson's life. Many democrats, in accordance, agreed with the Speaker, in addition to some members of the Congressional Black Caucus, but Jackson Lee has pledged the resolution to the full House for debate.
**Notes:
***1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Are_the_World
***2) http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gZcIFA7srDf5RZEEL0jWLEkYhiLQD99B2OTO0
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