Michael Jackson Memorial in Fresno | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Monday, July 6, 2009

Fresno, CA Sunday Night, a tribute was held at the African American Museum in Downtown Fresno. And the tribute turned into a reunion for one Valley father and son.

17-year old Tyrell Williams has been dancing for fifteen years. "Michael Jackson inspired me because for the first time I have ever seen a live performance was of Michael Jackson in 1994 at the Soul Train awards and just to see him move the way he did defined the laws of gravity."

On Sunday, Williams paid tribute to the king of pop outside the African American Museum in Downtown Fresno. "It's a tragedy and in a lot of ways, the music died that day but his music will live on forever."

The music that brought him to the stage also brought him and his father together.

DeWayne Stewart was in the crowd supporting Sunday's tribute. When Williams started dancing, Stewart asked people in the audience who he was. Turns out, it was his son, who he hasn't seen in ten years!

"It's awesome, I can't even explain how it feels," said Stewart.

Stewart said a misunderstanding is what kept them apart, but that he has never stopped loving his son. After their reunion, he ran home and came back with photos of Williams when he was just a little boy.

"That's a million dollar smile."

It's the same smile that now radiates both on and off the stage. "So I know he has a deep love for Michael, and so for his death to do this thing that it's doing is gotta be a blessing in the midst of tragedy," said Stewart, "And if it wasn't for Michael Jackson and all of this stuff going on and god blessing Michael to do what he do. Uniting folks. That's what music is about, love and soul."

Both father and son said from this day forward, they will be in each other's lives. As for Williams, he wants to pursue a career inspired by Michael Jackson.