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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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10

Jacko Bro Plans Slavery Theme Park

Historians condemn $3.4B project

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(Newser) – Michael Jackson's big brother Marlon wants to bring tourists to Nigeria by building a $3.4 billion resort—complete with an ever-so-slightly controversial slavery theme park, a replica slave ship, oh, and a Jackson Five exhibit, the Telegraph reports. Visitors to the park, located in Badagry, the departure point for thousands of slaves, can relax after visiting the memorial or museum with a trip to the casino or a round of golf. Historians are crying exploitation.

The PC-named Badagry Historical Resort Development Project will also house memorabilia from Marlon’s Jackson Five days, which is vaguely tied to the park’s theme: “This will be an adventurous ride giving you an historical overview of African music,” according to official literature. Baloney, says one consultant: it’s more like “dancing on the graves of dead people and telling them you're honoring them.”

Janet Jackson greets her brothers, from left, Marlon Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Randy Jackson of The Jacksons after they received the BMI Icon award in Beverly Hills, Sept. 4, 2008.
Janet Jackson greets her brothers, from left, Marlon Jackson, Tito Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Randy Jackson of The Jacksons after they received the BMI Icon award in Beverly Hills, Sept. 4, 2008.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Diana Ross introduces the Jackson 5 as they are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on May 6, 1997, in Cleveland. From left are Marlon, Tito, Jermaine, Jackie, and Michael.
Diana Ross introduces the Jackson 5 as they are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on May 6, 1997, in Cleveland. From left are Marlon, Tito, Jermaine, Jackie, and Michael.   (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta-File)
Chris Tucker, right, laughs with Marlon Jackson at a news conference announcing the Major Broadcasting Cable Network's (MBC) 24 hour news channel February 10, 2003 in New York City.
Chris Tucker, right, laughs with Marlon Jackson at a news conference announcing the Major Broadcasting Cable Network's (MBC) 24 hour news channel February 10, 2003 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
Soul pop group the Jackson Five, comprising of the Jackson brothers (left to right) Jermaine, Tito, Jackie, Michael, Marlon and at the back, Randy.
Soul pop group the Jackson Five, comprising of the Jackson brothers (left to right) Jermaine, Tito, Jackie, Michael, Marlon and at the back, Randy.   (Getty Images)
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Hologram images, concert footage, a state of the art recording facility, robotic figures displaying the rhythmic beats from 300 years ago where music began leading up to the biggest African group in the world.
- Promo for the Jackson Five exhibit

The Badagry Historical Resort Development Project of Nigeria in essence can become the newly desired and sought-after vacation destination of the world. - The Motherland Group, explaining that tourists are expected to spend more than $406 million in the resort's first year

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10 comments
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NutsInNY
Feb 17, 09 9:53 AM CST
Darn, the Great Famine Theme Park I'm building in Ireland is going to lose some business to these guys... Reply
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LeftMiddleRight
Feb 17, 09 10:05 AM CST
How come when I come up with a $3.4 billion resort idea with a theme park dedicated to the bubonic plague, no one writes about it? Reply
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marvinooo
Feb 17, 09 10:43 AM CST
Other Ethnic groups dedicate bridges ,school,parks,ect... as an African American Male im not opposed to the theme park. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
grissell
Feb 17, 09 12:25 PM CST
Very true, and you're entitled to your opinion. But bridges help you travel rough terrain, schools educate, and parks are for peaceful reflection. Theme parks are for binging on cotton candy and riding roller-coasters...is that really the best way to commemorate and honor those who were forced into slavery?
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markhebert42
Feb 17, 09 11:19 AM CST
How can this fail? Reply
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It's more like 'building a pricey, zombie-themed nightclub on the graves of dead people.'
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Theme park is in bad taste
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Nigeria • slave • amusement parks • theme park • slavery • Jackson Five • exploitation

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