• DATE: March 25, 2026
• LOCATION: Gary, IN (Various Sites)
• STATUS: Community Activation Phase

As the world prepares for the April 24, 2026, global premiere of the Lionsgate biopic Michael (starring Jaafar Jackson), the city of Gary, Indiana, is launching its own grassroots celebration. Under the leadership of the Gary International Black Film Festival (GIBFF), the city is hosting a series of events designed to ground the Hollywood spectacle in the real stories of the neighbors and friends who knew the Jackson family before they were international icons.

Here’s what we know so far.

RELATED: The ‘MICHAEL’ Cast Set to Hit The Jennifer Hudson Show

The Biopic Connection: Bridging Generations

With trailers for the film already generating massive buzz, Gary organizers are using the movie’s momentum to bridge the gap between elders who witnessed the 8-year-old Michael perform and the 10-year-olds discovering him through the big screen. While the biopic captures Gary’s landmarks like Roosevelt High School and 2300 Jackson Street, the city’s local events aim to ensure Gary’s “lived truth” isn’t lost to cinema mythology.

Community Storytelling Night

• What: A citywide “Bring Your Own History” event.
• When: Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (3:30 PM – 7:00 PM).
• Where: Main Gary Public Library (220 W 5th Ave).
• The Mission: Residents are invited to bring personal photographs, letters, and reflections from the early Jackson years. The event will feature early performance clips, news footage, and music, providing a space for residents to document their own voices as part of the broader conversation surrounding the movie.

“Poetry on the Move” with Gary Public Transit

To honor Jackson’s lyrical legacy throughout April (National Poetry Month), the Gary Public Transportation Corp. (GPTC) is literally taking art to the streets. Several city buses will be wrapped in poetry inspired by Jackson’s lyrics, turning everyday commutes into a rhythmic tribute.

The Broadway Redemption: Felix Maldonado Jr. Mural

The visual landscape of downtown Gary has seen a significant restoration. Artist Felix “Flex” Maldonado Jr. has completed a new 35-foot-tall Jackson 5 mural on the side of the former Sears department store (839 Broadway). This project is a “silent victory” for the community, replacing the original landmark mural that was lost years ago and welcoming visitors as they head toward the family’s childhood home.

All-City Talent Contest: The Next Generation

Photo: Lionsgate

In a direct nod to the historic 1966 talent show at Roosevelt High School—a moment widely expected to be a centerpiece of the Michael film—Gary is hosting its own all-city talent contest. The goal is to prove that Gary’s artistic wellspring is still active, giving modern youth the same platform that launched a global phenomenon.

And it all starts on March 25.

Featured Photo: Lionsgate

RELATED: April 24 Countdown: Inside the New Japanese Teaser for Michael

Author Bio

Jael Rucker is the founder of Decked Out Magazine. She has previously worked as the Associate Commerce Editor at PureWow, focusing on analytics and trends to pitch stories and optimize articles that build and engage their audience. Her work has also been seen in Footwear News and WWD. Prior to 2024, she was the style and pop culture editor at ONE37pm for over three years, contributing numerous product reviews, brand profiles and fashion trend reports, which included interviewing Steph Curry, Snoop Dogg and more.