After making an unannounced trip to her hometown several weeks ago, Madonna made a very public announcement today in which the Michigan-born pop icon pledged her financial support for three of the Detroit community groups she visited earlier. This funding is “the first phase of a long-term commitment” to the Motor City, according to Liz Rosenberg, a spokesperson for the artist.
The beneficiaries include the Empowerment Plan, the Downtown Youth Boxing Gym, and the Detroit Achievement Academy, which in a press release are noted as “three extraordinary organizations that have already begun to bring hope and change to the city.” No monetary amount was disclosed at time of writing, but the proceeds will go toward everything from facilities to training programs.
In a statement released today, Madonna declared: “I was deeply inspired by the efforts of so many people who I met who have dedicated themselves to helping the kids and adults in Detroit elevate themselves from the cycle of poverty. I have seen the results their commitment and hard work have already accomplished.”
Madonna’s connection to the area dates back several decades. She was born in born in Bay City, but was raised primarily in Pontiac and Avon Township (what is now Rochester Hills). She briefly attended the University of Michigan before moving to New York to pursue a career in entertainment. Madonna has been in the news recently, as her daughter Lourdes has also enrolled at U-M.
See Instagram photos from Madonna’s visit to Detroit below:
“Discussing Michael Jackson vs. Pharrell Williams! Watch out! Detroit is coming back !!!!! #revolutionoflove”
“Sharing stories with kids at the Detroit Achievement Academy! Very impressed by Kyle Smitley and her team doing what they can to bring education back to the Motor City! #knowledgeispower #revolutionoflove”
“At EmPowermentplan with De Mequa and Netty women who once lived in homeless shelters now creating coats and handbags and the amazing glasses I’m wearing! Encouraging women to take charge of there lives! These ladies are mad cool!#revolutionoflove #bringbackdetroit”
“Visiting the Heidelberg Project in Detroit! The signs are everywhere! Keep Detroit Alive! #revolutionoflove”
“A tree turned into Art at the Heidelberg project created by Tyree Guyton turning Urban decay and arson into Art! #revolutionoflove”
“A future Champion at the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit! #fightfordetroit #fightforfreedom”
“Fight For Freedom! Fight For Detroit! @ Downtown Boxing Gym! #revolutionoflove”