Chance The Rapper Donating $1M To Chicago Public Schools

Chance The Rapper Donating $1M To Chicago Public Schools

Last week, the newly Grammy-winning Chance The Rapper met with Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner to discuss funding for the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system. He walked away from the meeting unsatisfied by the governor’s unwillingness to “take our kids off the table” and his “vague answers.” Refusing to let the governor’s obstinance deter his own efforts, Chance held a press conference today to announce his own donation of $1 million for CPS, delivered via one of those comically oversized checks. The funding came through ticket sales from his upcoming tour in collaboration with Live Nation, AEG, Ticketmaster, and independent promoters and venues. “This check that I donated is a call to action,” Chance said. “I’m challenging major companies and corporations in Chicago and across the country to donate and take action.”

Chance then went on to donate an additional $10,000 to Westcott Elementary School on 79th, where the press conference was held. It’s the first of 10 additional Chicago public schools Chance will be donating $10,000 to. When asked how long he’s committed to funding the schools, he replied, “I don’t know how long I’m going to be alive for sure.” At the end of the press conference, Chance noted that he’s speaking with other artists from the city in furthering these efforts, specifically citing a phone call he plans to have with Common later today. You can rewatch the live stream below.

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