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Long live the King of Pop Michael Jackson (pictured)! On what would have been his 55th year before his untimely demise in June 2009, fans throughout the globe still revel in the music of one of the most-dominant entertainers of his generation and his memory will never fade in their hearts. Here, NewsOne shares with you some of the events that will be taking place around the world to honor and celebrate Jackson’s birthday,

1)

Mani Niall was Jackson’s personal chef during his ‘Thriller” days, accompanying the entertainer as he traveled throughout the world. The cookbook author and now owner of Oakland, Calif.’s Sweet Bar Bakery plans to cook up all of the performer’s fave dishes to share with his patrons on August 29th. Jackson used to indulge in Niall’s smoky New Mexican red chile enchilada sauce over chilaquiles with black beans, jicama slaw, and pork or vegetarian adobo (Jackson would have eaten the veggie dish). For dessert, Niall is dishing up ice cream and maple pecan cookies, which Jackson could reportedly not get enough of!  Niall never made a celebratory cake for Jackson because the pop star was a Jehovah’s Witness so those kinds of festivities are not celebrated. For the culinary birthday bash, It is also rumored that the famed chef might even have a few “Thriller” video ghouls on hand.

2) 

King of Pop devotees can all be a part of the first Michael Jackson We Are One Worldwide Birthday Celebration on August 29th. Fans will be able to share their Instagram photos, videos, sentiments, and wishes all day on a worldwide map by posting the #MJWeAreOne hashtag on the http://birthday.michaeljackson.com site. This global event began at 12:01 a.m. on the international dateline in the first time zones (Kiribati Island and New Zealand) and then rolls around the world before ending at midnight in the last time zones (Hawaii and American Samoa). The event is being sponsored by the estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil, which is holding a special performance on August 29th in honor of the legendary singer entitled, “Michael Jackson ONE,” at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Las Vegas.

3)

Gary, Ind., where the Jackson kids were all raised, is remembering the “gloved one” old skool style with a block partaaay! The “Celebration Of Life” festivities will take place right in front of the Jackson family’s famed address, 2300 Jackson Street, in Gary. On hand to revel in the memory of the mega-superstar will be bands, cheerleading squads, singers, dancers, speakers, and gospel choirs. There will also be fun arcade games, food, and fireworks. The celebration will stretch over a three-day period from August 29th to 31st.

4)

Brits love MJ like a fat kid loves cake! “Thriller Live,” a spectacular show that celebrates the music of the world’s undisputed King of Pop and his Jackson Five siblings, is in its fifth year at London’s famed Lyric Theatre. In honor of Jackson’s birthday, the show’s producers have come up with a “dress-up-as-Michael-Jackson-night” event. Ticket holders of the show who come dressed wearing their fave MJ outfit could win two tickets to a special gala, the 2,000th performance of “Thriller Live,” plus tickets to the after-party. The costumes will be judged by the “Thriller” cast.

5)

Michael Jackson had a huge heart and was always giving to those who were less fortunate. This year, what better way to pay homage to “the man in the mirror” who was a humanitarian to a fault than by making at least one homeless person smile on August 29th. The group, Michael Jackson: And Justice for Some, are asking MJ fans to go out and put a smile on a homeless person’s face by offering to buy them a meal, giving clothing, or even money, and then record his or her good deed. The videos will then be compiled to make a short film similar to “Make the Homeless Smile,” which was created to inspire a global movement to pay it forward to someone less fortunate.  For more info, visit the Michael Jackson: And Justice for Some website.

Here’s Where You Can Celebrate Michael Jackson’s 55th Birthday!  was originally published on newsone.com