Chance the Rapper is Donating $1 Million to Chicago Public Schools

At a press conference today, Chance the Rapper announced he would be making a $1 million donation to Chicago Public Schools, stating, “Our kids should not be held hostage because of political positions.” He held the conference at his old school, Westcott Elementary, just blocks from where he grew up and noted that in addition to his donation, he would be speaking with Common to discuss further funding. The press conference was live-streamed from Chance’s Instagram and Periscope accounts.

This comes after a high-profile meeting Chance had with Illinois governor Bruce Rauner last week that ended in “frustration and disappointment” for Chance after the two could not come to any fruitful meeting of the minds. This is just the latest and largest step in a long history of Chance supporting and representing his hometown, especially when it comes to the city’s struggling youth, and should set an example for what artists with a platform and resources can do.

As Pitchfork points out, the home page for Chance the Rapper’s website has been changed to include a link to help support Chicago Public Schools.

Watch Chance’s full press conference via Periscope here, and click here to read our feature on how Chance’s “Magnificent Coloring Day,” held last fall at Chicago’s U.S. Cellular Field, paid homage to the city that raised him.