Africa is our "historical native land " because some of my ancestors were born there. I knew about it, as well as my sons, only from the books, but I very much wanted to visit there someday because I wanted to see the black history had begun from. Therefore I planned performances of Jackson 5 in Africa.

   In the beginning 70s I have got acquainted with an East-African Mamma Do Johnny Seco - a tall, well-dressed Muslim with a very dark color of the skin. He was unusual, and all of us loved him.

   Mamma Do was a great promoter, and he very much wanted to bring Jackson 5 to Africa. He, certainly, discussed the details of the contract with me - my sons were still minor.

   In Africa we prepared for concerts especially well, and flown from New York to Senegal. Boys could not wait, to see the native land of our ancestors.

   When we have landed in Dakar, we were met with admiring crowd. People sang, beat in drums and scanned: "Jackson 5! Jackson 5! ". Then they have stood in a circle and started to dance. They invited my sons in the circle one by one to dance together. Michael was the last, therefore he had enough time to observe their movements. And when he has come in a circle, he started to dance as an African. It was surprising, and people of their accepting committee were very much glad about this. They at once have apprehended Michael as one of them, and since this moment we felt like at home and have understood the whole meaning of the words: " Welcome to Africa! "

   We enjoyed each minute of our stay. Banners with our names were hanged all over the city, people danced on the streets to our music. Again and again we heard: " Jacksons, Jacksons - we love you ".

   We felt flattered and in the same time, happy, that they were so are glad to our arrival.

   We have stayed in Senegal a week, boys performed on Demba Drop Stadium. Probably, the African atmosphere affected them so, that they danced better, than ever.

   Then we were invited there where the then president of Senegal was born, Léopold Sédar Senghor. On the road there we saw a lot of woodcarvers and other handicraftsmen which sold their creations right on the street. The more we moved away from the city the more primitive the atmosphere had seem to us. The president has invited us to a supper in his native village and we enjoyed hospitality of our new African friends.

   Next day we made trip on the Gore island . From there the slave-sellers forwarded our ancestors on ships to America, and uncountable number of people died during the moving. Already when we have left from the ferry, I got scared and when we have come in a former dungeon where slaves were attached to the walls in past , I became really depressed. It became cold, I shivered, and boys also were terrified. The translator told to us such awful stories about how they treated these unfortunate people that a Jackie has burst into tears. Others too have been deeply touched.

   they have made a goodbye present for us - one of the parts of the circuit by which slaves have been chained to walls of prison. It was painful to me to hear, how barbarically they were treated. Nevertheless I will never forget this day.

   In Dakar, the president of Senegal has handed me a silver medal because I have arrived to his country as " the ambassador of art ". In my thankful speech I have expressed desire, that " the connection between Africans and Americans would become stronger". I consider it a great honor to have this medal. The only other artist who has received it, was Duke Ellington.

   When we were leaving, the crowd of Senegaleses again has gathered at the airport and danced for us. Before entering the plane, I have once again inhaled the African air.

   During the long flight home we delightfully examined the little figurines made of wood that were given to us. We liked everything in Africa: joyful people and their surprising gift of singing and dancing, the legends transmitted from the father to the son from generation to generation, and a smell of Atlantic ocean at Senegalese coast. When we have landed in New York, we have understood, that we will never forget Africa. At the airport tens of reporters waited for us, put microphones to our faces and asked silly questions.

   They wanted to know, whether we saw savages, and whether danger threatened our life! We have tried to explain to them, how friendly people were there and what a great country Senegal is. It is strange, that still in the beginning of 70s the majority of Americans thought, that Africa is occupied by hunters on heads which cook tourists in boilers alive. Partly it was because of the racist films. Fortunately there come more of such film directors as Spike Lee that shows blacks as they are.

   Anyway, after that first travel I wanted very much to return to Africa and to see everything on this continent. My biggest desire - to organize a Jackson 5 tour in all the African countries.