‘BK loves MJ’ takes over Fort Greene Park

“Good Music Lives On,” rapper Consequence chanted at the ‘BK loves MJ’ event on stage.

As summer comes to an end, school approaches, and summer Fridays at the office are over, what a time it was to be a New Yorker this summer.

From the New York Knicks ending a 53-year drought by bringing the championship title back home, to the Dominican and Puerto Rican parades flooding the city’s streets, and to the World Cup being hosted in our very own MetLife Stadium, 2026 has felt like 2016; some may argue that it is even better.

Yet, amidst all the wins and celebration, the party has yet to end across the five boroughs. And what better way to bring New Yorkers together one last time? Music.

Hosted by Spike Lee, featuring DJ Spinna’s Michael Jackson’s birthday tribute, ‘Brooklyn loves MJ’ annual block party on August 29 from noon to 7:00 p.m., did just that in one of the most vibrant boroughs, Brooklyn.

Growing up, Lee always looked up to the late pop star. He admired Michael’s sound and style, eventually leading up to him working with him on “They Don’t Care About Us” to directing the “This Is It” video in 2009 and “Bad 25,” a documentary made in 2005. Michael would have been 68 years old.

Amid the release of the highly anticipated biopic movie “Michael” this spring, the outpouring of love and support for MJ was expected to be high. And it exceeded those expectations, filling the park with thousands of attendees.

On this bright and sunny Sunday, DeKalb Ave was packed from top to bottom with food, jewelry, and clothing vendors as the Brooklyn pop-up shops drew traction in front of the tribute located at Fort Greene Park. The smell of freshly made soul food and the glistening gold and silver earrings being sold reflected the dominance of Brooklyn and why this was the perfect place to host this event: a mixture of soul and good vibes, a reflection of MJ.

“Get here early, or it’ll be hard for you to get in,” Nadja Parker, a recurring attendee at the annual MJ tribute party for his birthday, said with a smile.

As she reflects on the growth of this year’s attendance compared to previous years, she says the crowd “always gets bigger.”

The crowds were a great mix of people, from older to younger generations, and a culture-mixing gathering from all across New York and the world. With Spike Lee being at the forefront of the event, the attendance was through the roof.

The music at the tribute celebration ranged across multiple genres and eras, with DJ Spinna at the forefront sampling beats from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, infusing them with Michael Jackson’s biggest hits.

“Michael Jackson loved everyone, and his words resonated with everyone,” Parker emphasized.

This statement was on display at Fort Greene Park from start to finish. Smiles spanned across the stage from Spike Lee, DJ Spinna, and guest performances ensuring everyone was safe and had a great time at the long seven-hour, non-stop dance party.

Fans in the crowd dressed in Michael Jackson attire, from customized outfits to casual clothes, danced, their bodies swaying in the two-step, and sang together from “Remember the Time,” “Thriller,” “Enjoy Yourself,” to “Rock With You,” “A Brand New Day,” and other classics that uplifted the crowd.

“Beat It,” a fan favorite, was led by an MJ impersonator coming on stage to perform his iconic dance as the crowd cheered and others followed.

Lee’s Michael Jackson tribute was not only a celebration of MJ’s birthday, but living proof that music can bring people from all backgrounds together as one and create one loving community. And, with the continuous love Lee dedicates to MJ after his passing, one can only imagine what this event will look like for years to come.

“His Life lives on through his music,” Consequence emphasized.