Keith Jackson

Keith Jackson, first cousin of Janet and Michael Jackson and the Jackson family, one of America’s most influential musical families, is embarking on an inspiring new chapter in partnership with Jerome Picot and Wendy Weir, sister of Bob Weir of the legendary Grateful Dead Band. Together, through the nonprofit organization iamformusic.org, they are advancing a mission dedicated to supporting the Arts and Education.

The relationship between Jerome Picot and Wendy Weir began in 2012, when Mrs. Katherine Jackson—mother of Janet, Michael, and the Jackson family—sought programs that worked with exceptionally talented young individuals. Her goal was to support a revitalization initiative that also honored her son, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, on his birthday. This request marked the beginning of a creative and visionary collaboration between Jerome, Wendy, and eventually Keith Jackson.

A long‑time advocate for the Arts and Education, Keith never forgot the mission that Jerome and Wendy championed. In 2023, he reached out to them with a renewed vision: to revitalize and expand the Gratitude Concert program. Together, they developed Keith Jackson & iamformusic.org’s Gratitude Dedicated to the Jackson Family, a program designed to uplift youth while celebrating the Jackson family’s enduring legacy in music, culture, and community empowerment.

This integrated initiative highlights some of the most exceptionally talented teens and young adults pursuing music, digital media, and technology. Keith often explains that the program’s uniqueness lies not only in the music itself, but also in the online development, multimedia production, and merchandise creation that the students help build. These hands‑on experiences give young artists and technologists the opportunity to develop real‑world entrepreneurial skills.

Keith emphasizes that the program is designed to prepare young people for meaningful futures in their chosen fields. He also notes that the skills learned here empower youth to assist older generations in navigating technology—helping them create sustainable, modern business opportunities of their own.

Through this work, Keith Jackson continues the family tradition of using creativity, compassion, and innovation to uplift communities, inspire young talent, and strengthen the bridge between generations.