How I Saved Michael Jackson’s Birthday Party
A few weeks ago, Spike Lee held a celebration in Prospect Park for what would have been Michael Jackson’s 51st birthday. It was a star-studded event: Tracy Morgan, Ed Lover, Spike, DJ Spinna, Reverend Al, and Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz all participated. I also spotted Common wandering around in the backstage area though he didn’t perform.
The party started at noon … just like the rain. At first it was basically me, Erica, Spike, Spinna and the security guards. Only two of us were protected from the elements and it wasn’t the ladies. But the music was bumping, the vibe was right and we weren’t worried about getting wet — we just wanted to dance. And dance we did. The crowd kept growing larger, the weather finally shaped up and just as DJ Spinna started, “You give me butterflies,” a group of monarchs gathered over our heads as if they were choreographed. It was amazing.
At some point during the, “Ma ma se, ma ma sa, ma ma coo sa,” sing-a-long, there was a commotion to the left of us. Someone was down and although the people around her were screaming and pointing, their panic was indistinguishable from the general excitement at singing along to, “Wanna be startin’ something.” I saw what was going on and leapt into action!
I made a dash for the front of the crowd and after frantically waving and screaming (unheard) at security guards, I got the attention of a woman standing on stage. In a moment of genius, I made eye contact and while mouthing the words, I signed to her holding up fingers … Nine, One, One! An expression of understanding appeared on her face with a side of her own panic. (Finally.) She turned to Spike Lee. And then, Spike Lee turned to me.
“What is it?” He mouthed from the stage while holding his hands up in a, “What the hell?” manner and looking generally irritated as if I were just fucking around. I pointed at the crowd who were doing their own pointing toward the collapsed lady, and pantomimed passing out. In case you ever need to do this, it is done by hanging your tongue out of the corner of your mouth and tilting your head to the side in a swift motion while crossing your eyes.
And Spike Lee got it. And he sent help. Within seconds EMTs and cops were shoving their way toward the unfortunate victim of heat exhaustion and the crisis was averted.
Yay me!
