Chance the Rapper is being praised after announcing he is donating $1 million to Chicago Public Schools. He made the announcement on Monday, March 6 during a press conference at the Westcott Elementary School on the South Side of Chicago. Chance wants his check to be a call to action in order to help offset the lack of government funding to Chicago schools. The rapper posted a plea on his website for other celebrities and major corporations to follow his example.
Just tip of iceberg
Even though the $1 million is a big amount, the rapper says it is just the tip of the iceberg because in addition to his donation, he also announced that he and Common will discuss plans for more donations.
Both rappers believe school children should not be cheated out of a good education because of politics.
On top of the rapper's $1 million, the artist's local non-profit organization, Social Works, will match every $100,000 raised for the Chicago Public Schools with an additional $10,000.
Meeting with Illinois Governor
Chance, whose real name is Chancelor Bennett, decided to donate to Chicago schools after he had a 30-minute meeting with the governor of Illinois last week. The 23-year-old rapper initially reached out to Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner about a meeting after the governor congratulated him on his recent Grammy wins.
The men met last week and discussed public education along with other issues the city and the state are facing.
The singer and songwriter was frustrated and disappointed with the governor's vague answers and his lack of funding for Chicago schools.
While most rappers brag about jewelry, cars and women. @ChanceTheRapper can brag about donating a $1 million to Chicago schools. pic.twitter.com/ShyA25hiuM
— Nigel D. (@NigelDPresents) March 6, 2017
First Lady Michelle Obama reacts
When former First Lady Michelle Obama heard about Chance's generosity, she responded on Twitter thanking him for giving back to Chicago.
Both are Chicago natives.
Thanks @chancetherapper for giving back to the Chicago community, which gave us so much. You are an example of the power of arts education.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) March 6, 2017
The three-time Grammy winner said the governor broke his promise to school children in Chicago when he vetoed a plan for $215 million to Chicago schools last December. Chance wants Governor Rauner to do his job and take care of the city of Chicago with the schools being a top priority.
