All Eyes on Gary
In the weeks leading up to the release of the film Michael, the Gary International Black Film Festival (GIBFF) is organizing a series of community-centered activities that highlight Gary’s historic connection to Michael Jackson and the Jackson family.
These programs are designed to engage residents, students, local businesses, and community institutions in a coordinated celebration of Gary’s cultural legacy. Through storytelling, education, music, and youth engagement, the initiative invites the community to participate in programming connected to the global interest surrounding the film’s release.
All events will be free and open to the public.
Community Storytelling
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STEM Curriculum
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Listening Sessions
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Poetry Activations
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Murals
Community Storytelling ✳︎ STEM Curriculum ✳︎ Listening Sessions ✳︎ Poetry Activations ✳︎ Murals
Jackson Memories: Community Storytelling Night
Date: March 25
Location: Main Gary Public Library
Partner: Capital B Media, Gary Arts Council
This public storytelling event invites Gary residents to share personal memories, photographs, and reflections connected to the Jackson family and growing up in Gary during the early years of their rise to fame.
The event provides an opportunity to document community voices and ensure that local experiences remain part of the broader narrative surrounding Michael Jackson’s story.
Michael Jackson Listening Sessions
Local cafés and community gathering spaces will host curated listening sessions exploring Michael Jackson’s musical catalog and artistic development. These gatherings encourage residents to experience the music together while reflecting on the global cultural impact that began in Gary.
Poetry on the Move
In recognition of National Poetry Month, excerpts of poems created from Michael Jackson’s song lyrics will be featured inside Gary’s GPTC buses. This initiative highlights the lyrical and poetic qualities of his work while integrating Gary’s musical heritage into everyday public spaces throughout the city.
Gary Youth Talent Celebration
Students across Gary will participate in a program culminating in a recreation of the historic talent show that first introduced the Jackson brothers to a wider audience. The event celebrates youth creativity while honoring a formative moment in the city’s cultural history.