Chance The Rapper To Donate $1 Million To Chicago Public Schools
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chance the Rapper announced Monday afternoon he will donate $1 million to Chicago Public Schools "for arts and enrichment programming."
During the press conference, which he live-streamed via Instagram, Chance said talks over the weekend with Gov. Bruce Rauner failed to find a way to end the financial crisis currently surrounding Chicago's schools. "Do your job, Gov. Rauner," he said.
"I'm frustrated and disappointed in the Governor's inaction," Chance said at Westcott Elementary School. "That will not stop me from continuing to do all I can to support Chicago's most valuable resource -- its children."
A few months ago, Gov. Rauner vetoed legislation that would have infused CPS with a $215 million grant.
Chance called on companies, corporations and stars around the U.S. to also take action. He said he will match each $100,000 with an additional $10,000 donation to individual CPS schools, starting with Weston Elementary, which is near his childhood home.
"Fight with me," he encouraged.
The funds for the donation come from the Chicago native's concert ticket sales, and is a joint effort between Live Nation, AEG and Ticketmaster.
"As a CPS graduate, Chance has shown Chicago students not only the heights they can achieve but the generosity they can share," said CPS Spokesperson Emily Bittner. "We also appreciate his strong advocacy for Chicago schoolchildren, who suffer under the state's racially discriminatory system of funding, which Gov. Rauner continues to perpetuate."
In response to the donation, a spokesperson for Rauner said, "While the Rauners are passionate donors to our schools, individual contributions will never be enough to address the financial challenges facing CPS. It would be helpful if CPS officials came to Springfield and joined in serious good faith discussions about the long-term stability of all of our schools."
Chance first reached out to the Illinois Gov. last month, after Rauner congratulated the rapper for winning three Grammys, tweeting, "IL is proud that you're one of our own."
Last week, the two announced they had agreed to meet on Wednesday to discuss education funding for Chicago Public Schools, but that meeting was postponed on Wednesday, hours after tornadoes ripped through central and southern Illinois.
Thursday afternoon, Chance announced on Twitter the meeting with the Gov. had been reset for Friday.
"I'm more than appreciative of him taking time to discuss funding CPS," he said on Twitter.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama took to Twitter Monday afternoon to acknowledge Chance's Chicago contribution.
Chance said on Twitter that he will start announcing which schools will be receiving the $10,000 donations on Tuesday. In the meantime, the rapper directed those looking to help to his website, which has a page about supporting and reforming the CPS education budget.
