Born and raised in Chicago, Chancelor Bennett better known as chance the rapper is using his music platform to grasp attention and create a better education system for his hometown. Just two months ago, Grammy Award winner Chance the Rapper met with Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner to talk about Chicago Public Schools. Chicago’s school district is in financial trouble with receiving less funding than the number of students that they have. Chance the Rapper and Governor Bruce Rauner spoke for 30 minutes on the funding for Chicago’s school district and the meeting did not end well.
Mary Ann Ahern from NBC reported that Chance told Governor Rauner to “do your job.” During his Instagram Live, Chance gathers his frustration by saying "While I'm frustrated and disappointed in the governor's inaction, that will not stop me from doing all I can to support Chicago's most valuable resource: its children."
Chance makes sure he takes action on education
There is an expression that says “Change cannot happen overnight,” but Chance is making sure he provides action. Last month Chance donated $1M to the Chicago school district proving that he is serious about Chicago’s education system. He stated that “Our kids should not be held hostage because of political position.” Chance has gotten praise from the former first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama is also from the same city.
She called him “an example of the power of arts education.”
Chance continues to support education
Chance continues to work with the education process by announcing that the Chicago Bulls will be matching his $1M investment for their city’s schools. The Chicago Tribune reported that because of the rapper’s fundraising, $2.2 million dollars has been raised.
12 schools will get $10,000 from the money raised. In addition to the money that has been raised for the schools, Chance has created Chance's Art and Literary Fund. NBC shared that this after school program will be for the students interested in arts and targeted to schools who have seen a decrease in graduation rates.
