2009 Person of the Year: Michael Jackson

CLEVELAND - With just a few hours left in 2009, it's time to remember and analyze the people and events that defined it. For me personally, it was an absolute no-brainer. Michael Jackson owned this year simply because his stunning departure made his superlative legacy blindingly obvious to many who'd disowned him.

He was and will forever be a treasure.

That tragic and nearly unspeakable early summer day in June took Michael from us physically, but his soul is heavily attached to each and every one of his artistic endeavors. So many idiots in the media questioned why a pop star received such massive attention on television and in print. The reason why these "intellects" didn't understand is because Michael wasn't simply a "pop star" to begin with. Justin Timberlake is a pop star. So are Usher and Chris Brown. Michael Jackson is a seminal figure in history who's responsible for redefining music, dance, showmanship, entertainment and fashion. By being the first African-American in history with epic levels of crossover mainstream popularity and success, he was the ultimate game changer. Rev. Al Sharpton wasn't just throwing inane hyperbole out there when he said that Michael paved the way for Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Barack Obama to become as widely accepted across all races and creeds as they are.

Michael Jackson made the black megastar "safe to adulate."

Michael Jackson wasn't just a record-breaking musician with scintillating dance moves and mind blowing creativity. He was a gentle soul that genuinely cared about making this world a better place. With the litany of charities he supported and donated untold multi-millions of dollars to, his selflessness was nothing short of legendary. He didn't just entertain, he used his art and colossal talent to heal, influence and bring people together. In short, he was the ultimate humanitarian and gave countless hours of his own time to those less fortunate than he.

Michael was far beyond being a "pop star."

Of course Michael's personal demons are a part of his legacy. The frightening allegations and human imperfections that dogged him for decades certainly came with the package. But as I have asked before, who among us isn't incredibly flawed? And anyone that made fun of him for his ever-changing face, they should be ashamed. Not one of us knows what wars he waged within himself about his look. We already know that he was hopelessly self-conscious, so why should he just accept his given face when he didn't have to? Mocking someone for their face is no different than mocking a person with Down's Syndrome. They can't help their condition, but neither could Michael.

Think about it.

When I attended a theatrical showing of the film Michael Jackson's This Is It, I was awestruck and astonished. I've always known of Michael's dazzling talent, but I never actually witness the intricate process that he used to refine and polish the final product that we all saw. It was a symphony of sacredness to see such a master construct his art precisely and brilliantly. As a result, the documentary/musical is a very worthy and final representation of Michael Jackson's genius.

So there he is, my 2009 Person of the Year. He can teach us all how to try a little harder, love a little more and use our gifts to bring happiness and improvement to the world and everyone in it.

Thank God for creating Michael Jackson.