A French couple from Martinique, a Russian artist from California, and an 8-year-old Arkansas boy traveling with his grandmother made a pilgrimage to Gary.
The sacred day was Michael Jackson’s birthday, and the place of devotion on Saturday was his modest childhood home at 2300 Jackson Street. They mingled with other disciples who delivered bouquets, tied locks to the fence and scribbled messages on the sidewalk.
Some wore fedoras, bedazzled gloves and replicas of his signature jackets. Most sang along as his hits blasted from the speakers, and a few brave souls busted a move, including one person who danced on top of a van.
Residents also joined to pay their respects to their hometown hero as the city hosted a “Greater Gary” festival outside nearby Roosevelt High School.
“It makes us feel good that everyone is coming from across the world to MJ’s house,” said Debbie Abram, 60, who lives in the neighborhood. “It makes you feel like, ‘Ok, we’re special.’’’
The spotlight on Gary has intensified this year, due in part to the global success of Jackson’s biopic, “Michael,” in April. But the city has also commanded national attention as recent storms brought wreckage to homes and streets that left thousands without electricity for nearly two weeks.
Amid that complexity, festival attendees grappled with the challenge of paying homage at a tourist attraction in the middle of a recovering city that residents say has been neglected before the storms.
Highlighting challenges in the area while also pushing back against negative stereotypes. Honoring the Jackson family, who no longer live in the city, while demanding more support from them. And celebrating everyday people alongside public figures.
Showing support for residents was why Mayor Eddie Melton changed the festival’s name, which was previously known as the “2300 Jackson Street Block Party.” The free event continues on Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
“We wanted to make it about the community,” said Steve Segura, chief communications officer for the city. “We want them to feel that they are loved, and we’re all coming together to support them. And we’re here to rebuild this community.”
The Jacksons face criticism for social media post about Gary
The event featured local performers, food vendors and other merchants. The city also partnered with the Red Cross and Lowe’s to distribute cleaning supplies, toiletries and information about FEMA, which plans to set up intake centers throughout Lake County for the next week.
The Jacksons were not expected to appear, though they were scheduled to perform a free show in Elkhart, Ind. with Boyz II Men Saturday night. Still, many wondered if they might show up following their Instagram post about Gary earlier this week.
“Gary will always be home, and our hearts are with everyone impacted by the devastating storms and ongoing power outages,” the post said. “Stay strong, Gary. We’re standing with you.”
They also directed residents to call 211, visit the local YWCA or access the Indiana August 2026 Resource Hub.
Several people left comments criticizing the Jacksons for not saying or doing more to help their former home.
“They could have done better than that,” Debbie Abram said at the festival on Saturday.
Lorenzo Smith, 65, of Gary, said he’d like to see them speak up and offer donations.
“Just let them know, ‘This is still my home, and we’re gonna contribute,’” Smith said. “Because they got it.”
Gary resident Jhevonte Meade, 23, said he didn’t agree with the complaints
“It just feels like it’s misplaced,” he said. “You could probably look more towards [the Northern Indiana Public Service Company] or city officials that could have played a bigger role in clean up and helping get the power back on sooner.”
Segura said the Jackson family has been in touch with Melton. Though he didn’t know additional details, he said he wouldn’t be surprised if they decide to contribute.
“This is their home still,” he said. “They visit frequently. It’s still an ongoing recovery process. Donations are still coming in. We don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Tourists surprised by Jackson’s home, state of neighborhood
Out-of-town visitors said they were surprised by the small size of Michael Jackson’s home and of the nearby homes in disrepair.
“It’s really tiny,” said Steven Templier, 33, of Martinique, who visited with his partner, Gary Taverny, 36, and their 18-month-old son, Aaron Templier. “We expected the street to be different because it’s a very famous family who grew up here.”
Lisa Napoli, 51, of Boston, said seeing the Jackson family’s humble beginnings gave her a greater appreciation for the family’s success.
“I can’t imagine what Mrs. Jackson went through,” said Napoli. “Can you imagine all the diapers she changed in that little house, and feeding all those kids, and coping with [her husband] Joe and what he was going through? I’m so honored to be here.”
Visiting for the second year on Jackson’s birthday, Christian Lopez said he noticed a change in the environment.
“I definitely felt terrible coming into this city because it wasn’t in the same shape that it was last year,” said Lopez, 30, of Warsaw, Ind.
“But I felt renewed at the same time because it looks significantly better than what I’ve seen on the news. I’m pleasantly surprised that Gary has picked itself up after such a disaster, and that they have the energy to keep the show going for Michael.”
Reception about the festival’s name change to focus less on the Jacksons was mixed among residents .
“People love Mike like he’s part of their family,” Jhevonte Meade said. “So honoring him and celebrating him with his own event makes sense to me.”
At the same time, Meade also said he wants to see Gary highlighted for more than the famous family.
“Gary’s had a lot of potential for years, but it just keeps getting overlooked,” he said.
“There’s a lot of talented people here. There’s a lot of up-and-coming businesses, and a lot of stuff that Gary is doing right now that is really good. But you’ve just got to give us a chance.”
