Considering the various eccentricities of Michael’s public life, and the private parts that became public, there was bound to be something of a circussy aura even to the memorial service. And yet for the most part, and considering the presence of so much media, an impressive dignity was observed.
Tom Shales
The Washington Post

For all we know the grace and dignity of yesterday’s memorial service for Michael Jackson may have reflected the private and very much real Michael the public never saw; his mother’s wishes for how she wanted her son to be remembered by his children; the memories of his brothers, sisters and friends.

Maybe for the first time, the world witnessed what African American religious traditions call “A Homegoing.”