As some readers know (and perhaps even she herself does too), I’ve been pretty critical and have written about Bronxite JLo’s, aka Jenny from the Block, aka Jennifer Lopez, lack of truly giving back to the Bronx and borough she is always claiming as being a part of.
Well it appears that we can finally say with confidence that this is no longer the case.
It was recently reported that JLo, through the Jennifer Lopez Foundation, is partnering up with Montefiore Medical Center to establish the Center for a Healthy Childhood. The center will focus on programming in nutrition and physical activity for the community.
In the press release issued by Montefiore, JLo says:
“My roots are in the Bronx. It was natural to join forces with Montefiore, an organization that has cared for and served the Bronx for more than 100 years,” said Jennifer Lopez. “Our foundation has done amazing work improving the health and well-being of children around the world and now we’re looking forward to expanding the efforts underway in the borough where I grew up.”
This is one of the most important ways Lopez can help the borough she came from as Bronx residents have the highest obesity rate in the city with over 30% of the population classified as obese. According to BOOM!Health, a study done by Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, Bronx residents have an 85% of being obese vs their Manhattan counterparts.
As of now, the amount of monies and extent of the partnership has not been disclosed by either the Jennifer Lopez Foundation or Montefiore Medical Center.
I do applaud JLo’s success story and being able to come out of the Bronx during the most difficult of times which we suffered. I also recognize that it is her money to do as she absolutely pleases but I also strongly feel that it is only right to be able to utilize your success to help uplift others from your hometown, particularly if it is a place like the Bronx where we’ve come a long way yet still have major hurdles to jump over. No, it isn’t her responsibility whatsoever but there is a sense of almost moral duty to do so. Particularly so when you constantly talk about the Bronx as part of the narrative of your success.
Thank you, JLo, for not only acknowledging the issues we face, but also deciding to be part of the solution.
Ms Jenny from the Block has been an inspiration to countless Bronxites and people across the world on achieving your dreams, now she can inspire others and teach them the importance of helping your own community as best as you’re able.
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