Carter’s Bronx Visit: A Lesson in Public Health and Poverty
In September 1977, newly elected South Bronx City Councilmember Gilberto Gerena-Valentin confronted the pervasive corruption of former politician Ramon Velez, a man described as a "poverty pimp" who failed to address the suffering of his constituents. Amidst a backdrop of despair, Lincoln Hospital became a haven for families like Shirley Vasquez’s, who brought her sick children there only to be met with inadequate care. After seeking help from Gerena, Ms. Vasquez’s plight, along with that of numerous other residents suffering from contaminated water, caught the attention of journalist Pete Hamill.
On October 5, the same day President Jimmy Carter was speaking at the United Nations, Hamill’s column highlighting these urgent community issues hit the newsstands. This prompted Carter, upon hearing about the South Bronx’s dire conditions through his aide Stuart Eizenstat, to visit the area. There, he witnessed firsthand the devastation—a stark contrast to his message of global dignity and human rights.
The visit brought temporary media attention, but despite Carter’s acknowledgment of the residents’ resilience, substantial change was elusive. Shortly after, the gerrymandering campaign that saw Gerena-Valentin ousted illustrated the entrenched political corruption still plaguing the Bronx.
As economic crises loomed, subsequent administrations failed to address the underlying issues, with the Bronx descending further into despair throughout the 1980s. While Carter’s focus shifted to global health and the eradication of waterborne diseases through the Carter Center, the lessons from his Bronx visit remained poignant—highlighting the urgent need for effective community health strategies and clean water initiatives. Though Carter’s legacy evolved to significant global health achievements, the struggles of residents like Ms. Vasquez were testament to the systemic neglect that persisted long after his visit.
This adaptation reflects themes from Goodman’s forthcoming memoir, "Inventing Social Change."
