As a Chicago native, hip-hop artist Chance the Rapper feels a sense of obligation to help those who live in his home city – particularly children and teenagers. It’s for this reason that the activist, during a press conference at Westcott Elementary School, announced that he will be donating $1 million to the city’s public schools.
Before declaring the generous donation on Monday, Chance the Rapper sat down with Republican Governor Rauner last Friday. The duo discussed education funding, as the governor vetoed a $215 million education funding initiative in December of 2016. Reportedly, the rapper was “flustered” and a bit frustrated, as he had received “a lot of vague answers” without any compromise.
Explaining the reasoning for the contribution, the artist divulged:
“Illinois’ education system is one of the most severely underfunded in the nation. After years of being underfunded, the Chicago Public Schools system has been forced to cut teachers, supplies, and after school programs. Despite having already cut $260 million in costs internally, CPS was left a $215 million gap in their budget as of May 2016.”
“To prevent further irreparable damage, the only solution is for the Governor to sign the bill allocating these necessary funds to CPS, and then working with the General Assembly to pass a budget and education funding reform,” he added.
Determined to “be the change” he wants to see, Chance the Rapper then announced that he would donate $1 million to public schools to improve education in the city.
School district spokesperson Emily Bittner commended the rapper for his generosity in as statement. She wrote:
“As a CPS graduate, Chance has shown Chicago students not only the heights they can achieve but the generosity they can share. We also appreciate his strong advocacy for Chicago schoolchildren, who suffer under the state’s discriminatory system of funding, which Gov. Rauner continues to perpetuate.”
Former First Lady of the U.S., Michelle Obama, had gratitude to express, as well.
“Thanks [Chance] for giving back to the Chicago community, which gave us so much,” said Mrs. Obama. “You are an example of the power of arts education.”
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