Chance the Rapper News: Independent Music Artist Donates $1M to Chicago Public Schools
Famous for being a successful independent music artist, Chance the Rapper recently made headlines for something outside the music industry by donating a $1 million fund to the heavily indebted Chicago Public School system.
On Monday, Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, more commonly known as Chance the Rapper, was at the Westcott Elementary School in West Chatham, a neighborhood in Chicago where the singer-songwriter grew up.
The multi-awarded rapper has been a staunch critic of the way the Republican Illinois governor Bruce Rauner handles the public education crisis in the city.
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Chance the Rapper reportedly said he needed to win three Grammys first before he could set a meeting with Rauner. However, he described the meeting as "unsuccessful."
The governor had earlier on denied a bill that could have subsidized by as much as $215 million the Chicago Public Schools that have massive debts. With the amount of financial burden that these schools have, school administrators will be forced to cut the number of classes by 20 days.
While presenting the donation that the artist referred to as a "call to action," Chance the Rapper asked other people to make their own move, saying (via Billboard.com): "As a private citizen, as a parent and a product of C.P.S. I'm asking that you guys join the fight with me. Organize with me. Mobilize with me."
According to Chicago Tribune, during last Monday's event at Westcott Elementary, Chance the Rapper once again called out Rauner, saying the governor is still not willing to commit to provide the kids of Chicago "a chance without caveats or ultimatums."
He challenged the Illinois governor, saying, "Gov. Rauner can use his executive power to give Chicago's children the resources they need to fulfill their God-given right to learn."
Chance the Rapper will get the funds for his $1 million donation from an upcoming tour, while he also promised to give $10,000 donations each to 10 more public schools around Chicago.
