We, the undersigned, call upon Debra Lee and the staff and management of BET Networks to give Michael Jackson a better-fitting tribute, and revamp future programming and images in order to represent ALL African-Americans.
The BET Awards was the network's chance to shine and give the "King of Pop" his overdue accolades. Barring a few performances, once again the ball was dropped as the award show was littered with profanity, disorganization and blatant alcohol consumption.
Should we remind you: Michael Jackson was an African American before he became an international icon. Before Asian and European crowds were overcome with his stage presence, Michael was a brother. Now, is this how you treat a brother? Scraping together what you called a tribute, while maintaining the level of mediocrity and buffoonery BET has become notorious for in recent years? We ask that you get it right, and give Michael Jackson a going home celebration fit for a king!
The celebration should also usher in a new day for the network, where ALL African-Americans are equally embodied. Like Michael gave the world his best, both musically and charitably, how about showing the world our best: perhaps some flashbacks to the Donnie Simpson era, a reality show following prominent African Americans, some programming where we won't feel compelled to, once again, shake our heads in shame. We all don't strive to be loud, frivolous-spending, dumb-downed members of society, yet BET continues to expose us as such. As Charlie Murphy would say --on your network-- we've got to do better.
