Jaafar Jackson, who plays Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic “Michael,” was presented with the Mayor’s Key to the City of Gary, Indiana in recognition of his artistic achievement in bringing Michael’s story to life.
Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana and it’s a city that remains the most significant site of his early childhood and the origin of the Jackson 5.
He lived there until 1969, when the family moved to California after signing with Motown Records.
Indiana State Senator Mark Spencer presented Jaafar with a state proclamation and the Mayor’s Key to the City at an event, which included an exclusive screening of the upcoming film .
In attendance was the film’s producer Graham King, Michael’s son Prince Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Marlon Jackson, and Jermaine Jackson for the red carpet and screening introduction.
“Michael” releases in theaters April 24th.
