Michael Jackson's death in 2009 was deeply felt in certain communities in New York City. As a resident of Harlem, I was bombarded by a combination of shameless opportunism (people selling tshirts with his face on them), and sincere grieving. Needless to say, there was also a lot in between.

Spike Lee organized an MJ memorial shortly thereafter, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Thousands were in attendance as different musicians and speakers took turns on stage. It was much less a concert than a series of eulogies. And while I felt a bit conspicuous documenting the event, people were ok with it. Distracted by what was going on onstage, they remained candid.