Chance The Rapper will donate $1 million to public schools in Chicago.
Chance The Rapper
The 23-year-old rapper - who grew up in the city - raised the funds through ticket sales for his upcoming tour in order to help give children a "quality learning experience", and said the money came as a "call to action" for other companies operating in Chicago who he urged to follow in his footsteps.
Speaking at a press conference held at Wescott Elementary School on Monday (06.03.17) the 'No Problem' musician - real name Chancellor Bennett - said: "I'm committed to help Chicago's children have quality learning experiences that include the arts. As an artist and after-school teacher, I know the arts are invaluable. They teach kids lessons about how small efforts can have big effects and how collaboration can lead to creativity. This cheque is a call to action. I'm challenging major companies in Chicago and across the U.S. to donate and take action."
The 'Cocoa Butter Kisses' rapper went on to state he was "doing everything [he] can to support Chicago's most valuable resource, its children."
At present, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has a $215 million funding gap, and Chance is imploring corporations and celebrities to come together to help donate whatever they can to the cause.
The rapper also announced for every $100,000 donated to CPS, his organisation SocialWorks will give $10,000 to a school of their choosing to be used on developing their arts departments and after school activities.
Chance continued in his speech, which he broadcast live via a Periscope link shared to his Twitter: "As a private citizen, as a parent, and as a product of CPS, I ask that you guys join and fight with me. Organise with me, mobilise with me, in the interest of the children of Chicago. This is the beginning."
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