Four of Michael Jackson's brothers returned to their old stomping grounds Friday with accolades from the city's mayor.
"This is where it all started, this is our home," said Jermaine Jackson while standing outside the house on 2300 Jackson St. where the family grew up and launched their musical careers.
Marlon, Jermaine, Tito and Jackie Jackson each received keys to the city from Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson in front of friends and family.
The "Unity" tour stops at 16-cities, including a show Friday in Merriville. The tour showcases four members of Jackson 5 group. Michael, the fifth member of the iconic group, died on June 25, 2009 from an overdose of the anesthetic propofol.
"For me, this cycle that comes around every year — this day, that day — that doesn't affect me because it affects me every day," said Marlon on Wednesday before the tour kicked off. "When that day comes around, it's the same. You learn to live with it. I still wake up sometimes and go, 'Jeez. I can't believe my brother's not here.'"
The King of Pop's spirit lives on with them and his spirit will be in the house with them as they perform, Jackie told the Chicago Sun-Times.
The brothers also carried that spirit to the place they all once called home.
Tito told the Sun-Times what a great time he had living in Gary and remembered playing little league behind their home growing up.
