Standing in front of their childhood home, on their brother’s birthday, Marlon and Jackie Jackson were overwhelmed by the love and support they received from the Gary community.
“As you know, this is home for us,” Jackie Jackson said. “Everywhere we go around the world, we talk about Gary, Indiana.”
The city of Gary welcomed two members of the Jackson 5 back home for the start of the 2300 Jackson Street block party, a two-day event celebrating the music group’s legacy.
The celebration was held at Roosevelt High School’s campus on Friday and Saturday. Gary Mayor Eddie Melton hosted a news conference during Friday’s celebration.
“Folks are traveling from all over the world to come to Gary, Indiana, on this very special day,” Melton said, acknowledging that Friday would have been Michael Jackson’s 67th birthday. “To be the birthplace of the world’s most famous entertainment family is truly an honor and a blessing.”
Melton also encouraged all attendees to visit Roosevelt High School to buy food and souvenirs from participating local businesses.
The impact of the Jackson family can still be felt throughout Gary, Melton said, and as the city revitalizes, he wants people to remember those who have given the city global recognition.
“We’re the city that produced the world’s most famous family,” Melton added. “We’re a city that continues to contribute to the world.”
Jackie and Marlon Jackson both acknowledged the part Gary has played in their lives. Both called it a blessing to celebrate with the city that knew them before their family’s fame.
“This is where it all started,” Jackie Jackson said. “We rehearsed in this house every single day.”
Marlon Jackson, right, along with his brother, Jackie Jackson, left, speak at a press conference for the inaugural 2300 Jackson Street Block Party on Aug. 29, 2025, at the Jackson family childhood home in Gary, Indiana. Michael Jackson fans from around the world showed up to demonstrate their love for the late pop artist. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)
The Jackson brothers planned to join Gary’s celebration on Saturday as well. Jackie Jackson said it was extra special to return to the city for Michael Jackson’s birthday.
“We’re so happy we get to honor and celebrate him,” Jackie Jackson said.
To celebrate Michael Jackson’s birthday on Friday, attendees could see and hear the music and films that continue to add to his worldwide fame.
Gary Common Council President Lori Latham, D-1st, on Friday said she couldn’t be doing better on Michael Jackson’s birthday.
Latham acknowledged the part that the Jackson family and other famous musicians play in Gary. When she was younger, Latham said she’d feel prouder knowing that people recognized the talent that came out of the city.
“There were times I’d say, ‘I’m from Gary, Indiana,’ and they’d say, ‘Oh, where the Jacksons are from,’” Latham said. “My posture got better, and my attitude got better because you all gave us some reason to be proud of being from this place. … I don’t think we thank you enough for sharing your gifts and sharing your talents around the world because you represent us so well.”
Gary also planned to recognize Tito Jackson, a member of the Jackson 5 who died in September 2024. Melton had a moment of silence for Tito Jackson during Friday’s news conference. “Tito was a dear friend of mine,” Melton said. “He loved this city. … When you’d call Tito to come, Tito would show up by himself.”
Grammy-award-winning artist Deniece Williams was also to participate in the weekend’s festivities, just a couple of days following the dedication of her portrait mural on the corner of 25th Avenue and Broadway.
Williams was expected to host a portion of Saturday and perform at 6:35 p.m. Saturday.
On Friday, Williams spoke about the impact that Gary had on her life and how strong the city’s arts community is.
“We have such a strong history in this city,” she said. “We have produced some of the top artists in the world, not only in the United States, but worldwide.”
Other talent participating in the weekend’s block party includes DJ Kid Capri and Ed Hollis, a nationally recognized Michael Jackson impersonator.
The two-day celebration comes a couple of months after the installation of a new Jackson 5 mural in Gary’s Miller neighborhood. Chicago artist Felix Maldonado painted the mural, which was sponsored by Karren and Pat Lee and Tom and Sylvia Collins.
Joey Gultry, of California, poses while people admire his custom Michael Jackson jacket before a press conference at the inaugural 2300 Jackson Street Block Party on Aug. 29, 2025, at Michael Jackson’s childhood home in Gary, Indiana. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)
“The Jackson family’s music helped define a generation — and it all started here in Gary,” Maldonado previously said in a news release. “I wanted this mural to feel alive, so that people can connect with the joy and pride this city feels for them. It’s not just art — it’s a celebration of a legacy.”
On Friday, Jackie and Marlon Jackson both thanked the Gary residents for their constant appreciation. Gary will always be home for their family, Marlon Jackson said.
“Thank you (all) for supporting us throughout the years,” Marlon Jackson said. “Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
