Chance the Rapper Donates $1 Million to Chicago Public Schools, Calls Out Gov. Rauner

In a classroom at Westcott Elementary School on Chicago's South Side, Chance the Rapper announced on Monday that he will donate $1 million to Chicago Public Schools as a "call to action." The 23-year-old Best New Artist GRAMMY winner and Chicago native, born Chancellor Bennett, met with Republican governor of Illinois Bruce Rauner on Friday "to urge him to do his job and to honor his original commitment to provide $215 million to CPS so our kids can finish the year strong." Chance was given "vague answers" and called the conversation "unsuccessful."

Today, prior to announcing his donation and presenting a jumbo $1 million check (memo: For The Kids), Chance—a completely independent artist who has never sold a song—said:

"Gov. Rauner can use his executive power to help get Chicago's children the resources they need to fulfill their God-given right to learn. ... Gov. Rauner still won't commit to give Chicago's kids a chance without caveats or ultimatums."