March 7 (UPI) -- Chance the Rapper is taking matters into his own hands as he pledges to donate $1 million to Chicago public schools after meeting with Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner.
The talks, Fortune reported, broke down between Chance, real name Chancelor Bennett, and Rauner who has vetoed a $215 million funding bill that schools in Chicago were counting on.
The money, Chance said during a live-streamed press conference at Westcott Elementary School, would go towards after-school and enrichment programs. Funds he said would come from ticket sales of his upcoming tour.
Chance also noted how his donation is a "call to action" for others to get involved as well and that his non-profit organization Social Works would donate an additional $10,000 to a different Chicago school for every $100,000 raised.
"Our kids should not be held hostage because of political position," Chance said during the press conference. "Gov. Rauner, do your job."
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) March 6, 2017
Chance's donation has caught the attention of former first lady Michelle Obama who wrote on Twitter, "Thanks @chancetherapper for giving back to the Chicago community, which gave us so much. 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