DJ Kool Herc Rallies for Health Care Reform
DJ Kool Herc, still suffering from complications that arose from a combination of kidney stones and lack of health insurance, remains in poor condition, but now he's turning his situation into a cause. Highlighting heath care reform as necessary and pointing to his work to preserve 1520 Sedgwick as the "Birthplace of Hip-Hop," Herc says he is on a quest to highlight how many citizens have little to no access to health care.
"We live in one of the superpowers of the world!" Herc said to MTV News yesterday. "'Give me your tired, your poor ... ' and then you don't take care of them? There should be no weak ants in the colony. There shouldn't be anyone fighting for health care! This has been going on too damn long! We fought for 1520 Sedgwick to get landmark status, and in 2007, New York State officially recognized it as the 'Birthplace of Hip-Hop.' Now we are fighting for health care not just for me, but for everyone."
Herc took pains to spread word that the issue wasn't just about him or other members of the entertainment industry. Access to health care remains a huge problem across America and, even with President Obama's recent reform bill, it could be years before people like Herc are able to receive adequate care without going broke.
"I see this situation as another quest for me to shine light on a sensitive issue for the community," he continued. "I'm an instrument of God. I'm here for a purpose and I want to be here for the solution."
Donations for Kool Herc can be sent to: Kool Herc Production, P.O. Box 20472, Huntington Station, N.Y. 11746.
Watch Kool Herc's 'Merry-Go-Round'