Other Honors
In late 1970, The Jackson 5 begin their first national tour in Boston, Massachusetts; they play in 16 cities, finishing with a special "homecoming" performance in their hometown, Gary, Indiana - consisting in 2 sold-out concerts at Westside Highschool. Each member of The Jackson 5 is presented with a Key to the City of Gary by Mayor Richard Gordon Hatcher.
In 1984 Jackson was voted 'Hero Of Young America' by a Poll of 4,000 teenagers in December that year and was published in The World Almanac And Book Of Facts.
In 1984 With Star No. 1,793 in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre for The Jackson Five, Michael becomes the first celebrity to have two different stars dedicated to him, having received one as a member of The Jacksons in the 1970s and 1980s on November 20.
The 1984 Summer Olympics saw the Jackson family be honoured with the Medal of Friendship Award which was collected by Michael and his brothers.
In 1984, the NAACP announces that Michael Jackson and his brothers have been named honorary co-chairmen of the civil rights organization's National Voter Registration Drive. Registration booths will be set up outside Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, venue of the Tour's opening concert. (July 4)
Michael Jackson is made an honorary member of the New Westminister Police Department in 1984 while in British Columbia, Canada. Appointed PC 49, he swears as a police constable to 'serve the Queen and cause the peace to be kept and preserved'. (Nov. 18th) In mid September 1987, on a halt from performing in Osaka, Japan as part of the Bad World Tour, Jackson meets with then Mayor, Yasushi Oshima to be handed over the Key to the City. The singer also brings along his pet chimpanzee who accompanied him throughout the whole tour, Bubbles, the first animal allowed inside the Osaka Town Hall. "Key To The City" is an award descended from "Freedom of the City", made in several countries, but more prevalent in the United States. The Key is presented to esteemed visitors, residents or others the city wishes to honor and it symbolizes the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will as a trusted friend of city's residents.
Upon performing three sold-out concerts at the Metropolitan Chicago’s Rosemont Horizon in April 1988, Michael Jackson receives the Key to the City from Mayor Eugene Sawyer, who cites the entertainer for his onstage performance and humanitarian philanthropy. Michael shares his honor backstage with internationally renowned singer/dancer/actress Lola Falana, her waging also a courageous battle against multiple sclerosis.
On June 20, 1988, Michael Jackson arrives in Paris, France with young friend, Jimmy Safechuck, P.R.-ist Bob Jones and bodyguard Wayne Nagin. The city’s mayor at the time, Jacques Chirac, presents Jackson with ‘La Grande Medaille de la Ville’de Paris, equivalent to the Keys to the City.
On July 22, 1988, Disney characters, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, present an elated star with a pair of specially engraved ice skates backstage before his concert in Wembley, England.
In 1988, his autobiography, "Moonwalk", makes The New York Time's publication Best Seller List as the number 1 Best Seller of the year.
In 1989, Michael Jackson's former elementary school, the Gardner Street Elementary in Los Angeles, CA, designated its school auditorium the "Michael Jackson Auditorium". Mr. Jackson appeared at the ceremony, in which the school children sang his hit song, "We Are the World". In 2003, after accusations of child molestation, the school chose to cover Jackson's name with plywood. The school board stated that the request had come from some parents who "felt more comfortable with it covered". Jackson's spokesperson stated that he wondered "what those parents will say when Mr. Jackson is exonerated". At the end of the trial Jackson was acquitted of all charges. Recently, following petitions and letters to City Council and the Gardner Street Elementary School superintendent and principal, the "Michael Jackson Auditorium" sign has been uncovered. Jackson was named Most Famous Alumnus of Gardner Street Elementary School, in Hollywood, California and the school auditorium was renamed for him in 1989.
In a high-profile visit to Africa, in 1992 Jackson visited several countries, among them Gabon and Egypt. In his trip to Côte d'Ivoire, Jackson was crowned "King Sani" by a tribal chief. He then signed official documents formalizing his kingship and sat on a golden throne while presiding over ceremonial dances, a title he held up until his death. Jesse Jackson inherited the title of the High Prince of the Agni people of Côte d'Ivoire from Michael Jackson.
On the 23rd of February 1995 Michael gave a special preview of some of the songs off his forthcoming album HIStory to the National Association of Recording Merchandisers. The NARM presented him with the Harold Chapin Humanitarian Award at the preview.
In 2002 Michael Jackson was presented with the 30th Anniversary Award by its designer, Nijel, who also designed the Top Selling Artist Of The Decade Award in 1990. The award was given by the fans, celebrating him being on stage for 30 years. Fans all over the world donated money to contribute for the award to being created.
In 2003 Las Vegas key to the city by mayor Mayor of Vegas made the date October 25, 2003 "Michael Jackson Day
In 2007, Jackson visited the United States Army base south of Tokyo and was commemorated with a letter of appreciation from the Colonel
In 2012, VEVOCERTIFIED confirmed that VEVO Michael Jackson channel had one of the videos with over 100 million views which was the greatest video of all time Thriller.
On Australia Day 2012, Jackson was honored by being immortalized at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater by his children, Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson. Among many other celebrities there to pay tribute to him were Quincy Jones, Chris Tucker, Smokey Robinson, Justin Bieber with performances made by the Glee cast and Cirque Du Soliel and many other.
Read more about this topic: List Of Awards Received By Michael Jackson