On November1, 1995, a banquet was held at the Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, in honour of the President of the Republic of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings.
The event was hosted by Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal and was attended by several high-profile personalities including Michael Jackson. Alwaleed and Michael became partners in a new venture called “Kingdom Entertainment” in March 1996.
In honour of the first president of Ghana’s Fourth Republic, Michael Jackson presented a golden sward to the president on behalf of Prince Alwaleed.
Michael was supposed to be in Germany at the time of the event:
“I’m supposed to be in Germany, but I postponed it to be here,” Michael told the President and First Lady. “I was advised of your presence and I found out about your mission to rebuild Africa. I couldn’t resist. I love Africa… You are not alone.”
According to the dinner’s organizer, Dr. Khalid Abdullah Tariq AlMansour, the sword was designed “to cut out division, insecurity, hypocrisy and negativism. Rise and Unite! Africa is back.”
Michael said: “My brother Bin Alwaleed asked me to present this sword to you tonight. I am very honoured, thank you”.
President Rawlings said of Michael to the crowd: “I never thought I’d have the honor and privilege of meeting the genius in person. To meet him on a day like this is an honor. What impressed me most is that he’s a man of heart.”
The President and first lady expressed their gratitude to Michael by presenting him with the elegant Diamond of Africa, To a Favorite Son of Africa Michael Jackson, offered by “That’s What Friends Are For Committee”.
On accepting the honor, Michael acknowledges a few children that joined him on stage.
When Michael Jackson passed away, Rawlings made a statement:
“I once had the honour of meeting with Michael and we struck a great friendship borne out of respect. Michael changed the world and always knew that with change he would appeal to many across all borders even if some in the non musical media did not always appreciate it”.
The former president described Michael Jackson’s departure as “a monumental loss to the whole world. He was human and sensitive. He showed in a sometimes uncaring and unfeeling world that he had sensitivity and great humanity. The world has lost one of its greatest sons. Michael you made an impact and you changed the whole world in so many ways. Go in peace… you will be missed!”
Jerry John Rawlings passed away on November 12, 2020 at the age of 73.
