Michelle Obama Praises Chance the Rapper for $1 Million CPS Donation

Chance the Rapper has become Chance the Philanthropist and people are taking notice.

On Monday (March 6), former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, celebrated Chano’s $1 million donation to Chicago Public Schools.

“Thanks @chancetherapper for giving back to the Chicago community, which gave us so much,” she tweeted. “You are an example of the power of arts education.”

Thanks @chancetherapper for giving back to the Chicago community, which gave us so much. You are an example of the power of arts education.

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) March 6, 2017

The cause is near and dear to Obama, who attended Chicago public schools before going to Princeton University and Harvard Law School.

Chance introduced his charitable gift to CPS during a Monday afternoon press conference. “Today, I am proud to announce that I am donating $1 million to CPS,” he said. “This donation was made possible by my fans, through ticket sales for my upcoming tour and an unprecedented coordination from Live Nation, AEG, and Ticketmaster, competing corporations who were able to band together — also with independent promoters and venues across the country — to use funds from ticket sales to donate to CPS…I’m honored to make this donation to Chicago Public Schools Foundation and help cultivate Chicago creative minds.”

In addition, his Social Works foundation will donate $10,000 to a specific public school for every $100,000 raised, starting with Oliver S. Westcott Elementary, where the press conference was held.

CPS’ verified Twitter account also celebrated Chance’s gift. “@chancetherapper has shown CPS students the heights they can achieve & generosity they can share,” they tweeted. “Thanks, Chance!”

.@chancetherapper has shown CPS students the heights they can achieve & generosity they can share. Thanks, Chance! https://t.co/essyrnS04a

— ChicagoPublicSchools (@ChiPubSchools) March 7, 2017

Chance made the donation following a meeting with Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, who “frustrated and disappointed” the rapper with his “vague answers” and “inaction.”

Rauner has received criticism for vetoing $215 million in state funding, which would have gone to Chicago Public Schools.