Baltimore Protester Dimitri Reeves Performs Michael Jackson Songs to Keep the Peace

In the midst of Baltimore riots and the heartbreak regarding the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody, one protester gave Baltimore citizens something to smile about. By channeling the essence and music of the King of Pop, Dimitri Reeves decided against violence to instead, perform classic Michael Jackson hits including his cover of the Beatles' "Come Together."

Stepping atop a yellow semi-truck, Reeves performed the Michael Jackson cover of "Come Together" with dance moves and body ticks made recognized by Jackson. After luring a multitude of onlookers around the truck that Reeves and his manager Vaughan Mason travel in, the singer-dancer jumped down to make his way through the crowd. In hopes to turn the cities darkest hours into light, Reeves put his best moon-walk forward to enlist happiness to those who welcome it in a time of need.

We try to show positivity," Reeves told Rolling Stone. "We actually go to the hood areas and try to show love and support for those who are less fortunate and those who just need their minds taken off the negativity."

Videos first circulated of the 22-year-old performing "Man in the Mirror" and "Beat It" in front of riot police quickly went viral, bestowing the name "The Michael Jackson Impersonator" upon him, notes New York Daily News. The performer recognizes "burning things and ripping things down" is only harming his city and chooses not to engage in violent protests. His performances brought smiles to those around him if only for a few minutes.

"I see a bright light at the end of the tunnel," says Reeves. "You have to go through hell to get to heaven."

Tags

Michael Jackson, The Beatles