All photos © Hee Hee Shamone. Do not use without permission.

And a thank you letter from our host, Spike Lee:

Dear 40 Acres Family,

Yesterday 50,000 people strong, Asian, Latino, White and Black strong came to Nethermead Field-Prospect Park in The Republic of Brooklyn, New York to celebrate the 52nd birthday of Michael Joseph Jackson. It was a beautiful thing. People came from far and near to dance, sing and celebrate. The Mighty DJ Spinna was rockin’ the turntables all day long. We had a special performance by Spoken Word Artist Lemon, The Rev. Al Sharpton gave a moving Prayer for Michael and the lives that were lost from Hurricane Katrina and the breeching of The Levees. Ironically, yesterday not only was Michael’s birthday, but the 5th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Later in the day the CROWD went BANANAS when SNOOP DOGG made a Surprise Guest Appearance and rocked it over MJ’s Butterflies then blessed us with GIN and JUICE and DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT. I’m telling you people lost their minds. After that Warren G hit us with his Joint-REGULATE. We’re looking forward already for next year. I would like to end by thanking all the people at 40 Acres, SpikeDDB, Prospect Park, Parks Dept, NYPD, DJ SPINNA and all our great sponsors for their love and support to celebrate the life of Michael Joseph Jackson. And a special, special, special Thanks to our Volunteers who busted their Tails all day to make sure everybody had a great time.

Shamon,
Spike Lee