Evolving Man Project

Welcome to the Evolving Man Project’s ‘Evolved Man of the Week’ profiles. Each week we highlight an individual that embodies what it means to be an evolved man, famous and non-famous men alike. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to fellow Chicagoan, independent hip-hop artist, and Grammy-Award winner; Chance the Rapper.

Chance’s career reached new heights in 2016 with his album Coloring Book. He has been embraced by fellow artists like; Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Common and was dubbed ‘the future’ by fellow Chicagoan and controversial hip-hop artist Kanye West.

At the 2016 MTV Music Awards, Chance inspired fellow black men with #BlackBoyJoy to post uplifting and heartwarming photos of black male achievement, success, and family life. Over the past several months, the young rapper has put his focus on his hometown’s troubled school system. After a failed meeting with Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, Chance took to social media to encourage local Chicago community organizations and corporations to support the students of Chicago Public Schools. He pledged to donate a million dollars to the cash-strapped school district. He has also inspired others to donate their time and money to Chicago Public Schools. Chance the Rapper used his celebrity and newly found mainstream success to give back to his hometown and the school system that helped foster his musical creativity.

Here is Chance in his own words:

“Our kids should not be held hostage because of political position. If the governor does not act, CPS will be forced to end school 13 days early, which means over 380,000 kids will not have adult supervised activities in June and could possibly be put in harm’s way…While I’m frustrated and disappointed in the governor’s inaction, that will not stop me from continuing to do all I can to support Chicago’s most valued resources, its children.”

Today we honor Chance the Rapper as this week’s Evolved Man of the Week.