By David Jordan Jr
Hailing from Gary, Indiana, The Jackson 5 would transcend the world and the history of music with their God-given talent to harmonize, dance, play instruments, and touch the souls of any human who heard the melodies. The five brothers, Michael, Marlon, Jackie, Jermaine, and Tito, sons of Katherine and Joseph Jackson, began their path to transcending music history on 2300 Jackson Street. Before signing to Motown and before leaving Gary, Indiana, to move to Los Angeles, California, the brothers perfected their steps and sound in the living room on 2300 Jackson Street and in various local talent shows in Gary and the surrounding areas.
One of the most dynamic performances by The Jackson 5 took place at the historic Theodore Roosevelt High School, located right behind the Jackson family home. Theodore Roosevelt High School was an all-Black high school established during the era of segregation and Jim Crow in the United States of America. Roosevelt High School was granted full accreditation in 1931 by the North Central Association. The first class to graduate from the school graduated in 1931 as well.
In addition to members of the Jackson family, Roosevelt High School has an alumni list that personifies excellence in the fields of entertainment, business, sports, entertainment, politics and academics. In 1966, the Jackson 5 competed in the Masque And Gavel Talent Show at Roosevelt High School and the brothers sent the audience into a frenzy. But do you know the full story of the show?
Watch the video below to get a brief story of how the talent show went down from Class of 1963 Roosevelt alum and President of the National Gary Theodore Roosevelt Alumni Association Judith Leek-Mead.
