As the world mourns the loss of international icon, Michael Jackson, a ray of hope was shown through singer, Judith Hill. Half Japanese, half African American, Hill symbolized "the world" as she stood as the centerpiece for the song, "Heal the World" during the closing of Michael Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center this Tuesday.

She represented an image of the future as she stood in the middle of children of different races. It was striking to see an obviously mixed person at the center of an invitation to the world to join hands to not only celebrate the life of a legend that had worldwide appeal, but to make a difference in this world. The performance evoked images of the transcultural appeal President Obama has as a bridge between nations who feel at times very different from one another.

The message of Jackson's songs, "We Are the World" and "Heal the World," calls for the world to bring an end to world suffering. Throughout his career, Jackson dedicated himself to helping poor and sick children all around the world. The Guinness Book of World Records cites Jackson as holding the world record for the “Most Charities Supported by a Pop Star.” So with Jackson’s universal message of love and tolerance, it was fitting that Judith Hill was chosen to sing since she is, herself, the embodiment of love without racial boundaries.

Judith Hill, a Los Angeles native, was born to a mother from Japan and a Black musician father. When it comes to her biracial experience, Hill has a sense of humor, “I was a skinny mixed kid with a lot of hair that I didn’t know what to do with (and still don’t know what to do with it). And my mom could not help me with it!” And much like her background, her music is described on her website as a "melting pot of so many styles." Her voice is a blend of diverse artists ranging from Janis Joplin to Aretha Franklin to even Led Zeppelin.

Hill was set to sing with Jackson during his London tour this month, but she never got a chance due to his unexpected death. With the worldwide coverage of Jackson's memorial, it is certain that Hill’s career will take off to new heights. And perhaps, her appearance as an agent of change will spark a newfound openness toward the world recognizing the idea of human race rather than races divided.

Athena Mari Asklipiadis