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Wells Fargo is all about giving back to the community. Ahead of the holiday season, it’s only right we shed light on those who have made philanthropy their life’s mission.
Ever since Chance The Rapper became a mainstream hip-hop sensation, he has used his success to share positivity. Despite being an independent artist, Chance has physically and financially given back to the city of Chicago on multiple occasions.
Before Chance the Rapper became an award-winning musician and household name, he was simply a Chicago native creating music and giving away his art for free. He never knew how far his gifts would take him but he remained rooted in faith and at the same time, found strength in helping those around him. In 2015, Chance The Rapper teamed up with Detroit-based nonprofit, The Empowerment Plan, to create the Warmest Winter campaign. Through this campaign, they would produce special water-resistant and self-heating coats that transform into sleeping bags. They then donated the coats to the city’s homeless.
In March 2017, as his popularity continued to soar, Chance the Rapper embarked on his first major tour. However, instead of pocketing the money he would make from performing in major cities across the country, he donated a portion of the ticket sales to Chicago’s public school system to support the arts and after-school programming. The grand total of his contribution came out to a whopping $1 million.
“I’m honored to make this donation to Chicago Public Schools Foundation and help cultivate Chicago creative minds,” he said during his press conference at Chicago’s Westcott Elementary School. “I’m committed to helping Chicago’s children have quality learning experiences that include the arts.”
That would not be the last time Chance used his influence for good, however. Through his charity, SocialWorks, he gave 20 schools across Chicago $100,000 each, totaling $2.2 million. The schools Chance chose to donate to were those that were hurt by recent budget cuts and lacked the funding for art teachers.
In November 2017, Chance The Rapper took his fiery passion for building up his hometown to the City Hall. Chance addressed the municipal board during the meeting, relaying his displeasure with Mayor Rahm Emmanuel’s plan to begin construction on a $95 million police academy. Things must have gotten a bit uncomfortable because during Chance’s address, the mayor left the room. “I guess the mayor had to step out when I walked in but it’s fine, I’ll just speak to you,” he said.
It’s evident that Chance’s philanthropy will not stop anytime soon. As his talents continue to propel his career forward, he will always reach out and give back.
Find out how Wells Fargo is giving back HERE.
