Sullivan Anderson 
Back in April, we told you that Che “Rhymefest” Smith, known for his work with Common on the hit song “Glory” and for his writing of the chart topper “Jesus Walks,” is running for the 10th District school board seat. The reach of the job’s duties span from Bronzeville, Hyde Park, and South Shore all the way to the southern border of the city. Huge position for a huge city activist!
Rhymefest recently visited the True Star headquarters to talk to a panel of teens about why he is running for the school board seat and the plans he has if elected.
“I grew up with some friends, and we worked together, and we made a success out of our gifts,” Rhymefest explained to True Star, introducing his passion for artistry. He went on to explain the importance of remembering the A in STEM, as art is what holds the world together. He vows to keep art alive on the South Side of Chicago, and to implement programs that advocate for those beliefs.
Officially, his campaign has 10 pillars:
- Academic Excellence and Graduation Rates
- Financial Stability and Growth
- Community Engagement and Input
- Class Size and Overcrowding
- Teacher Recruitment and Retention
- Curriculum and Instructional Materials
- Safety and Well-being
- Equity and Inclusion
- Transportation and Accessibility
- Data-Driven Decision Making
This passionate man of service left our panel of teens with bars that expressed his dedication to the position he is running for.
“Rhymefest for CPS. Laptops, libraries, literary success. Corliss, Bowen, Hyde Park and CVS. The system feeding us chickens, I’d rather eat ‘em in chess. Yes. All hands on deck, you can get what you deserve, or just take what you expect,” he rapped to end off his stance. “Keep doing the art. Don’t stop the art just because you’ve evolved into a new way. Keep rhyming. Keep writing. Keep drawing. Keep taking pictures. Keep modeling. Keep going.”
The school board elections occur on November 5th. His name will be on the election ballot at your local polling place, at the same time that presidential elections occur. Be sure to get out and vote.
Watch the full interview with Rhymefest by clicking below.
By Sullivan Anderson, North Carolina A&T State University Alumna
Instagram: @SullivanGrace_
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