Jackson Was Beacon of Hope for His Declining Hometown of Gary, Ind. - NYTimes

Visions of renaissance have come and gone. But if there is anything left that brings a twinkle to this town’s eye, it is the pride its people have felt over the decades knowing that Gary produced Michael Jackson, a little boy born on the lowly west side who, at the height of his pop music career, was the brightest star in the world.

Although he might not have always known it, Mr. Jackson took Gary, a place so much in need of a spectacular fantasy ride, along on his journey. And in the years before his death Thursday at the age of 50, he had made it a point to visit the old neighborhood — perhaps not enough to satisfy everyone, but with a sincerity that many said they cherish as the highlight of their lives.