The Human Chain in the "Cry" Video

[Sarah_MJ]

Does anyone know something about the history and inspiration behind the human chain in the "Cry" video?

I am from Germany and I know that Michael was moved by the happenings of 1989 and the early 90s. The fall of the Berlin wall, the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Independence of former Soviet Republics. In the Baltic states, there was a 300km human chain ("Baltic Way") organized via radio stations and happened on August 23rd, 1989, the anniversary day of Molotov-Ribbentrop-Treaty. I could imagine that Michael heard about that and that he was moved and inspired by it. So I could think this is what brought to him the idea for the Cry video. Do we know anything about it?

More info on the Baltic Way here:

Baltic Way - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[MJ TinkerBell]

From the Archives: Hands Across America - Los Angeles Times​

The Hands Accross Amercia Event
This is one of my all time favorite Michael sharing important messages to the world!
I was doing some deep researches for the history behind this as well!
Thanks for Posting

From the Archives: Hands Across America - Los Angeles Times​

"Hands Across America" was a massive,, highly publicized, and symbolic charity event held on Sunday, May 25, 1986, designed to form a continuous human chain across the United States to fight hunger and homelessness. It was one of the most significant, albeit flawed,
examples of celebrity activism in the 1980s, aiming to bring nationwide attention to poverty.

Ken Kragen, who also organized the "We Are the World" single, (USA for Africa) was celebrated for his ability to mobilize massive, purposeful public participation.

History of the Event
The Idea: Conceived by Ken Kragen, a Hollywood producer who had managed the "We Are the World" charity single in 1985.
The Goal: To have 6 to 7 million people hold hands for 15 minutes (at 3:00 PM EST) along a 4,125-mile route from New York City
to Long Beach, California, raising $50–$100 million for charity.

The Day (May 25, 1986):
An estimated 5 to 6.5 million people participated. While the chain was not fully unbroken, especially in remote areas of the Southwest, participants filled gaps with ribbons, ropes, or banners.
Results: The event raised about $34 million in donations ($10 per spot), but high operating costs left roughly $15–$20 million for charity, falling short of financial goals.

Cultural Impact:
It became a symbol of 1980s pop-culture, featuring celebrity endorsements from Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, and Robin Williams.

Pop Culture Legacy:
Jordan Peele used Hands Across America imagery during one of the final scenes of his 2019 horror film, Us..

Why it is Remembered:
Despite failing to be a perfect, unbroken line, Hands Across America is remembered as a "moment of unity," a "coast-to-coast
connection of hope," and a "statement of compassion". It is seen as a time when Americans paused to focus on shared
responsibility, highlighting the power of collective action, even if its impact was more symbolic than financial.

How Hands Across America Took Place Sources: & Photo Galleries:

The Controversial Story Of Hands Across America, When 5 Million People Formed A Human Chain Across The U.S.

Hands Across America took place on May 25, 1986, when 5.5 million Americans joined hands to connect the East and West Coast to fight poverty.

allthatsinteresting.com

Hands Across America

On May 25, 1986 between 5 and 6 million people formed a human chain across the United States. The $10 donation to reserve a spot in the chain was used…

americanhistory.si.edu

 

[MJ TinkerBell]

Hands Around The World - Trailer | A. R. Rahman | Ken Kragen | Neil Morgan
I found this which was the NEXT THING that Ken Kragen created from Hands Accross America Event

In a bid to raise awareness about climate change, Oscar and Grammy-winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman has joined hands with some of the world’s most notable musicians, visionaries and philanthropists for a global project titled, ‘Hands Around The World.’ The project marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, observed on April 22nd.

The campaign is championed by the legendary Ken Kragen who created the historic 1985 global collaboration “We Are the World” and Neil Morgan, an immersive entertainment entrepreneur who is the brains behind a unique app that will use hologram and augmented reality technology to link one billion people holding hands around the world in a virtual reality selfie-chain.

Rahman has teamed up with a variety of musicians and artists for this year-long project, which includes a new anthemic song featuring pop stars Natasha Bedingfield, Cody Simpson, soul musician MAJOR, opera icon Jonathan Cilia Faro, gospel singer Erica Atkins-Campbell of Mary Mary, and many more. Alan Parsons and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra along with NASA and astronauts from the International Space Station have also lent their support with their inspiring One Note Symphony composition. An album of powerful songs representing music from different genres is also in the making.

#HandsAroundTheWorld #ARRahman