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Gary, Ind. Should Play Up Jacksons Connection, Group Says

Jackson Mecca Unrealized?

(CBS) -- Some Gary residents are attempting to create excitement around a series of events honoring favorite son Michael Jackson and his family.

They're asking others, including the city, to get involved in something positive for a city that's seen better days, WBBM's Mike Krauser reports.

The Jacksons are "the greatest entertainment family the world has ever seen," says activist Kwabena Rasuli. "Let's utilize it, let's benefit from it."

Rasuli says the Jacksons could do for Gary what Elvis has done for Memphis and generate millions.

Locals say a steady influx of tourists come to 2300 Jackson Street, the small house where the Jackson family started their career in music.

Gordon Keith, who early on signed the Jacksons to his Steel Town Records label, says the family said they would never forget their roots in northwest Indiana.

"I'm still waiting on them to keep that promise," Keith says.

For more information about the Committee To Honor The Jacksons In Gary, go to the group's Facebook page.

 

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