Pop Singer Speaks at Opening of New School

Jermaine Jackson, brother of pop superstar Michael Jackson, made an appearance at a local elementary school Thursday, not to make music but to offer hope.

Jackson, a former member of the Jackson 5 singing group, spoke to hundreds of students, teachers and others at the grand opening of Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School.

Students began attending classes at King Elementary in July, but officials delayed the opening ceremony so it would coincide with the upcoming holiday Monday commemorating the birthday of the civil rights leader, assassinated in 1968.

King, an ordained minister, protested segregation laws by leading a march on the nation’s capital, and through oratory such as his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Throughout this month, students at King Elementary have been learning about their school’s namesake and have adopted the slogan “The Dream Continues.”

Jackson’s visit was arranged by school staff member Virginia Eshtehardi, whose husband is a friend of Jackson’s.

Eshtehardi said she enjoyed Jackson’s speech, which urged children never to give up their dreams, because it also focused on the importance of education.

“He [Jackson] had mentioned to me that he wanted to direct his speech to the children,” Eshtehardi said, “because they are very important people.”