by Linda Deutsch

LOS ANGELES (AP)—The scene was eerily familiar, Katherine Jackson and her family walking grimly into a courtroom, occupying a special family row, demonstrating their love for their beloved son and sibling, Michael.

DOCTOR CHARGED— Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson’s doctor, is escorted by Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputies as he arrives at the Airport Courthouse to face charges of involuntary manslaughter in the singer’s death in Los Angeles Feb. 8.

It could have been a photograph from the pop superstar’s long ago trial in Santa Maria. But the one face missing from the tableau on Monday was the most famous one—Michael Jackson, dead seven months, his premature passing the painful subject that had brought the family to court once more.

Another man sat in the defendant’s chair now—Dr. Conrad Murray, who stands accused of causing Jackson’s death.

The National Council for Urban Peace and Justice has been conducting a continuing series of open forums throughout the city of Pittsburgh in an effort to discuss and plan strategies to advance the Campaign for Drug De-Criminalization & Amnesty, as well as other crucial programs addressing the problems plaguing the African-American Community.  Recently a small group gathered at the Kingsley Association in the East Liberty community.

The Island of Haiti recently suffered one of the worst earthquakes in history killings thousands of people. So we asked Pittsburghers their reactions and if they donated and this is what you said:

“It’s very close to my heart because I am Dominican and to know that it happened…it’s a horrible feeling because I’m here and not there helping out. However, my company is doing a big part helping with the donations for Haiti relief and I was able to make my donation thru my company. It made it easier and comforting for me to be able to donate.”

Rita Taylor, Stacy Randolph and Benedict Killang

Rita Taylor
North Side
UPMC