Nia Long is an advocate of helping underprivileged children in the Caribbean by providing them essential school supplies such as backpacks, books, writing utensils and even cereal. While Long’s star has been illuminating the Hollywood scene since her memorable roles in Boyz N the Hood, “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” and Love Jones, she has been simultaneously brightening the lives of children by providing these basic necessities of education. Long’s on-screen characters always seem to exemplify the caring and sentimental element of the black woman, however, it’s apparent her on screen characters reflect who she is when the lights of Hollywood and cameras are nowhere to be found.
On Saturday, May 28, Long again visited the ritzy Bel-Air neighborhood, but this time she wasn’t visiting her “Fresh Prince” boyfriend Will Smith. Long was in Bel-Air to use her star power by joining efforts with the Children of the Caribbean Foundation (COTC) and their Every Child Matters campaign by helping raise money for underprivileged children and poor schools in the Caribbean region. The Foundation is hosting its first educational fundraiser the – “EVERY CHILD MATTERS 5K Run/Walk” – Saturday June 4, 2011 on the California Loyola Marymount University campus. When asked about her participation in the run/walk, Long stated that “I will be walking due to doctor’s orders!” as she is showing signs of a baby bump.
The Founder/Executive Director of the foundation Rosie Hodge-Adams stated that their mission has already begun to resonate among the Hollywood elite. At this time, the “Every Child Matters” Run/Walk has obtained celebrity endorsements from Nia Long actress/board member, actor Eric Close – CBS Without a Trace, and FOX TV- American Idol Judge Randy Jackson. Go to www.caribbeanchild.com for more info!
Watch Nia Long’s exclusive interview with rollingout.com below:
