The hip-hop star announces donations to 20 Chicago public schools and inaugural Twilight Awards that focus on education.
- Sep 3, 2017
AceShowbiz - Chance the Rapper announces $2.2 million fund to support education. Raised through his Social Works organization, the money will be used to support art programs at Chicago public schools. 20 schools will receive the donations. Each will get $100,000 over the course of three years.
"Quality education for public schools is the most important investment a community can make," he said at Harold Washington Cultural Center. "So today, all of us at SocialWorks are excited to take our biggest, boldest step yet and announce our first-ever grants from the New Chance Fund. Today we're giving a new chance to kids in 20 more schools across our city."
"Twice, just in the last month that I've been back, I've had someone tell me that they were going to shoot me," he began his inspiring speech. "This is obviously just talk; both were small altercations and I could tell immediately upon point of contact that these young people had a chip on their shoulder. That they felt undervalued or cheated. And that's the way Chicago is."
While showing a picture of his adorable little girl on the big screen, the rapper said he had "the two most pressing things on [his] mind." "The thought of finally sending my daughter to school, and the unease of the city she's entering into," he added.
"As a parent and proud product of CPS, I'm committed to helping Chicago's children have quality learning experiences that include the arts. Over the past month, I've crisscrossed the city, from Chatham to Chinatown, Humboldt Park to Hyde Park, visiting students and one thing is clear: If we invest in Chicago's children, we'll change the world."
The hip-hop star paid homage to the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs, wearing a black turtleneck tucked into a pair of faded jeans during the event. He also announced first-ever Twilight Awards to celebrate "teachers, parents, principals, and students that convey leadership." It will take place in Chicago in June 2018 and featuring special guest performances. James Corden will serve as a host.
