Despite Donald Trump’s proposed attack on the National Endowment for the Arts, Chance The Rapper seeks to preserve the light ahead of that dark future with this latest news. According to DNA Info, the Coloring Book artist announced a new arts program that’ll benefit Chicago’s public schools this fall.
Through the Social Works Chicago organization, the 23-year-old artist raised $2.2 million for the city’s schools. Within that sum, the Chicago Bulls donated $1 million shortly after the Grammy Award-winner pledged the same amount. The information was made public during a press conference at Paul Robeson High School on Friday (March 31).
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) March 31, 2017
Also @chicagobulls are matching @chancetherapper donation to @ChiPubSchools there is now 2.2 million!! #artsed #socialworks @IngenuityChgo pic.twitter.com/WBmVUMY64X
— CPS Arts (@CPS_Arts) March 31, 2017
Earlier this month, Chance received praise from former First Lady Michelle Obama, who referred to the “No Problem” rapper as “an example of the power of arts education.” Chance also mentioned that his donation was a “call to action” for other entities to step in and take the youth’s education seriously. Per Uproxx, the Chicagoan affirmed, “we’re just getting started.”
The “New Chance Arts and Literature Fund” serves as another positive step in the right direction for the youth and Chance, who spearheaded a series of “Open Mike” events where teens could showcase their creative talents.
The recent news also instilled a sense of hope within social media users.
We screamin’ Chano for Mayor, we’re thinking you should! @chancetherapper inspiration to the youth everywhere.
— Ronnie Merjan (@ronmerjan) March 31, 2017
Bulls President and COO Michael Reinsdorf and @chancetherapper after the announcement. #SupportCPS #ForTheKids pic.twitter.com/Y4j1Hj0hca
— Open Mind Sports (@OpenMindSports1) March 31, 2017
@chancetherapper for president
— Kori Arguelles (@KoriArguelles) March 31, 2017
The Bulls are excited to support @chancetherapper‘s efforts with a $1M donation! #SupportCPS #ForTheKids pic.twitter.com/OGjQIhVDRa
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 31, 2017
Bruh, @chancetherapper is making moves for the people. Only adds to my excitement in seeing him perform next month.
— Gabe Ayala (@GabrielDOTChase) March 31, 2017
.@chancetherapper has done more for CPS in the last 2 month or so then the entire state of Illinois.
— MD (@Manny_25__) March 31, 2017
@chancetherapper doing the damn work 💪🏾
— AyobamiO (@0moba) March 31, 2017
Chance The Rapper is giving so much back to the city.
— Keeb White (@KeebWhite) March 31, 2017