CNN iReport

After a press event in the White House Rose Garden with Michael Jackson and President George Bush (see my other iReport photos), April 5, 1990 - Michael Jackson speaks at a benefit dinner for the Capital Children's Museum at the home of Alan Kay.

I was an editor at Spin magazine in the early 90s, and covering this White House event with Michael Jackson on April 5, 1990, was one of my very first assignments as a writer. The Capital Children's Museum was honoring Jackson with an "Entertainer of the Decade" humanitarian award, and I just happened to be the one to open Spin's press invitation the day it arrived in the mail. Having just gotten hired by the magazine for what was essentially my first real job after college, I was naturally thrilled to volunteer for the trip from Manhattan to D.C. to stand alongside the press professionals in the Rose Garden of the White House.

          It was quite a surreal scene. My first glimpse of Jackson came when he briefly appeared in his pseudo-military regalia on a balcony across the street from the White House talking to Vice President Dan Quayle (I would still give anything to have been in on that conversation). Eventually Jackson arrived to face the press in the Rose Garden, escorted by President George Bush and Barbara Bush.

          "This is what we call a photo opportunity," Bush joked to Jackson, before presenting him to the press.

          "I just wanted to welcome Michael Jackson here," Bush announced, nearly drowned out by the sound of a lingering helicopter. "He does good work, what we call the 'Points of Light' concept. I just wanted to bring him out here and officially welcome him to the White House once again. Glad you're here, sir. Very pleased you're here."

          Jackson beamed and shook Bush's hand twice, but never spoke a word.

          For the rather strange remainder of the press briefing the singer stood at rigid attention, his hands tucked behind his back, as Bush answered a number of questions regarding breaking news of an upcoming summit meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev. There was no Q&A session with Jackson, but later I met him in the White House driveway and shook his gloved hand. As Jackson's limousine began to pull away I asked him through his half-open window if he had any words for Spin readers, and he leaned out and whispered, "I love you all..."

          Mark Blackwell

          Co-founder, Nylon magazine

          Los Angeles, California