Chance The Rapper has announced that he is donating $1 million (£817,410) to Chicago public schools.
The musician, who is originally from the Illinois city, revealed his plans in a press conference held yesterday. The conference took place at the city’s Westcott Elementary School and was streamed live on Instagram Live.
Beginning at 2:10pm CT (8:10pm GMT), Chance said Illinois governor Bruce Rauner “won’t give kids a chance without caveats or ultimatum”.
Chance met with the politician to discuss Chicago’s public school system last week. After the meeting he tweeted: “”Chicago Public Schools and I did not lose today. Please don’t let that become the narrative. Monday morning I’ll have a plan.” At today’s conference, Chance said the governor had given him “vague answers” and shouted “Gov. Rauner, do your job!”
The rapper’s six-figure donation will go to the Chicago Public Schools foundation to help fund arts and enrichments programmes. Chance is funding the donation through ticket sales and a partnership with AEG and Ticketmaster, as Noisey reports.
At the conference, he presented some of the school’s children with a giant cheque for the money. The cheque was made out to “the kids”.
“Our kids should not be held hostage because of political positions,” he told those gathered for the conference. As Pitchfork reports, Chance also said he will speak with Common on the phone to discuss providing further funding.
