Richmond fans pay tribute to Michael Jackson

Aaron Crews remembers the day he begged his mother to buy him a Michael Jackson poster from a vendor on Broad Street in downtown Richmond.

When his mother said yes, Crews says he started "moonwalking up and down the street." He was about 9.

Now 34, Crews stood on stage and held up the same poster yesterday evening for a cheering crowd of hundreds of people who assembled outside the Richmond Coliseum for a vigil and a celebration of Jackson's life.

People of all ages, including several local politicians and die-hard fans dressed as Jackson, watched as performers took the stage to sing and dance to some of Jackson's best-known hits.

The event was sponsored by Citizens Against Crime, an organization founded by Alicia Rasin better known for holding vigils for homicide victims.

Several of those attending last night's vigil said they were tired of hearing in the media about Jackson's personal problems and just wanted to remember the performer who changed their lives.

Daniyel Willis is a self-described street dancer who goes by the name "Popadock" in Atlanta. He was dressed in full Jackson attire, wearing a red shirt with golden tassels, a black hat and a single white glove.

He danced for the crowd to parts of Jackson hits "Billie Jean," "Thriller" and others. The Richmond native said Jackson taught him he is never too old to accomplish his dreams. "He was my inspiration," he said.

Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Councilwoman Reva Trammell and Del. Delores L. McQuinn, D-Richmond, also spoke at last night's event.

Jones said some of Jackson's music sends a message of personal responsibility, including his song "Man in the Mirror."

"We must look at the man in the mirror, and we must start with ourselves to make this a better place," Jones said.

Callie Overstreet of Chesterfield County said she has cried about six times since Jackson died. "He was the best as far as I'm concerned in dancing and singing," she said. "I'm sorry, not even Elvis" was as talented.

Rita Dumas of Richmond recalled seeing Jackson perform in Richmond when she was 12 or 13.

"I liked Michael Jackson up until he started changing his appearance," Dumas said.

Stephanie Jackson said her 8-year-old daughter, Star, just stared at her mother when she broke down in tears over Jackson's death, so she brought Star to the event to help her understand her mother's reaction.

"I think it's an honor to be here," Stephanie Jackson said.

Contact Reed Williams at (804) 649-6332 or .