Chance the Rapper announces he will donate $1 million to Chicago Public Schools

Chance the Rapper has announced he will donate $1 million to Chicago Public Schools. Chance held a press conference today at Westcott Elementary School to announce his initiative to help public schools, stating that, “Our kids should not be held hostage because of political positions.” Chance the Rapper also said that he and Common will be holding a phone call to discuss further funding for schools. Last week, Chance the Rapper met with Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, and came away from the meeting a bit frustrated with getting vague answers to his concerns. “It went a little different than it should have,” he said.

Chance the Rapper has updated his website with more information on his effort to help Chicago Public Schools, including a link to support CPS. Watch his press conference below.

Chance also later tweeted, “If you get a call from me, today’s the day to pick up.”

Deray McKesson, civil rights activist and leader in the Black Lives Matter movement, also praised Chance’s efforts on Twitter, saying “Chance’s commitment to his hometown and to using his platform for the greater good are a model for other influencers.”

Chance the Rapper’s Grammy-winning Coloring Book is one of our Top 50 Albums of 2016.