<p><br /> Jennifer Lopez has become the first female spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and says she has not forgotten her roots.<br /> </p><p><br /> Fighting back tears, Lopez said: "I guess I am always going to be Jenny from the block and I am proud to say that I will always be that kid from the Boys & Girls Clubs and to say the Boys & Girls Clubs will be right here for you."<br /> </p><p><br /> The singer and actress joined Denzel Washington, himself a long time supporter and alumnus of the clubs, to pledge her support to the organisation that helps educate and empower local children.<br /> </p><p><br /> Denzel Washington truly believes in the help provided by the club for twenty years and said:<br /> </p><p><br /> "The importance of the club is the fact that these young children will graduate at a rate of 90 percent from high school, when the national average is more like 68 percent."<br /> </p><p><br /> More than four million children have benefited from the clubs, which encourage character and leadership development, academic success, and healthy lifestyles.<br /> </p>
