http://www.centredaily.co...935107.htm






Janet Jackson receives Humanitarian Award

MIKE CIDONI

Associated Press


BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - It was no laughing matter for Janet Jackson as she received a humanitarian award from a gay rights group in her first public appearance since brother Michael Jackson's acquittal on child molestation charges.

Following an occasionally cheeky introduction from openly-gay actor Alan Cummins, Jackson apologized for her own lack of humor.

"My family and I have just gone through the least humorous chapter of our lives," she explained in accepting the award Saturday night from the Human Rights Campaign. "I'm going to leave the jokes to the late-night (comics), if that's OK."

Michael Jackson was acquitted June 13 following a four-month trial on charges he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor at his Neverland ranch in 2003.

"What I've learned in these recent months is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel," Janet Jackson observed. "And it's real, it's a beautiful light that both comforts our minds and strengthens our souls. Tonight my heart is filled with gratitude for that light. I'm so grateful that prayers are answered, that faith is rewarded and tolerance is celebrated as a virtue. I'm grateful that God is of unconditional love."

Jackson was honored for the millions of dollars she has both raised and donated for humanitarian causes, notably the American Foundation for AIDS Research, the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation.

A presentation preceding Jackson's appearance noted that her song "Free Xone" is a condemnation of homophobia, and a portion of proceeds from her million-selling single "Together Again" were donated to AIDS research and treatment.

Wearing a two-piece formal ensemble, with a simple but elegant black blouse and a gathered white silk skirt, Jackson received a standing ovation from the hundreds of $250-$375-a-plate contributors who crammed the Beverly Hilton Hotel ballroom. No other Jackson family members were observed at the event and it was not known whether any were present.

"Thank you so much," she said, with a broad smile. "I'm so grateful for this honor. I couldn't be happier standing before each and every one of you. I feel a deep and abiding kinship with your cause. It feels absolutely wonderful to be recognized by people who aim to spread love."

Later in her speech, she added, "Acceptance is right. Kindness is right. Love is right. I pray, right now, that we're moving into a kinder time when prejudice is overcome by understanding; when narrow-mindedness, and narrow-minded bigotry is overwhelmed by open-hearted empathy; when the pain of judgmentalism is replaced by the purity of love."

BREAKING NEWS!

We've just recieved word from someone who was in attendance at last night's HRC gala. Sources say, a video montage of Janet's "friends" was played before she called up to recieve her award. One of the people who left a small message was none other than.....MADONNA!

Madonna simply just said: "You go Girl!"
[Edited 6/19/05 11:10am]

**double post**
[Edited 6/19/05 11:10am]

Janice will prolly take it as a diss

Scorpion said:

Breaking news?

Scorpion said:

Cute pictures of her. I like her hair like that. Reminds me of the Love Will Never Do video.

RipHer2Shreds said:

I thought the Mandogga fans would appreciatea lil tidbit on their idol.

Scorpion said:

Sorry, she's not that well known here..

Go Janice!

Scorpion said:

Any more offensive than being referred to as a fictional character named Penny?

RipHer2Shreds said:

Naw, she'll just give her million dollar trademark smile & giggle at the mention of "Penny". At least, it has some sentimental value than some random name like "Janice" which doesn't have shit to do with her.

Does janet ever crack a joke? The poor cow?

Whats with this penny shit anyway?

thesexofit said:

Voices, where are u?