On March 6th of 2017, popular music artist, Chance The Rapper, donated $1 million dollars to the Chicago public school system. Chance had been exploring ways to give back to his community, especially since he is a native of Chicago himself. Chance had scheduled a meeting with Illinois’s governor, Bruce Rauner, to discuss the budget issues Chicago schools have been facing. Chance announced in an interview that he felt the governor was not solving the problems, and in order to get things moving he felt motivated to donate to the public school system. These financial problems could potentially lead to the end of an early school year, depriving many children of the education they need. As the nation’s third largest school system, this could be disastrous.
The schools receiving the donation include Nathan S. Davis Elementary, Mahalia Jackson Elementary, Charles Carrol Elementary, Roberto Clemente High, Paul Robeson High, Orr Academy High, Hirsch Metropolitan High, Benito Juarez Community Academy, Fenger Academy High, and others. Chance stated in an interview that the money donated was intended to help fund arts programs especially, keeping in mind children like him, who may flourish in the arts. Teachers and students alike are overjoyed to receive such a generous donation, the money opening the doors to many opportunities for students.
Chance The Rapper’s donation did more than just fund schools. NFL player Michael Bennett claims to have been inspired by Chance’s drive to help public education systems. 50% of the proceeds from Bennett’s jersey sales will be donated to organizations dedicated to helping inner-city kids. Chance has inspired many and encouraged the public to try and focus on the problems within our cities, by helping the children.
Junior Luis De La Rosa, is an enormous fan of Chance The Rapper and he was really moved when he heard the news.“When I first heard about Chance’s donation, my first thought was that every state would be lucky to have someone like him to donate, and he inspired others to donate more and help people, starting a chain reaction that will lead to the increased education of children from lower income families.”
Junior Luis De La Rosa after giving his opinion on Chance The Rapper’s $1 million donation. Photo by Simone Ritthisorn.