The Full Color 50

Chance the Rapper,Essence Smith, Justin Cunningham

/ Creators

Chancellor Bennett has invited the world to Chicago through song, where his vignettes of struggle and success have made him one of the most popular artists on Earth. Social Works is where the lyrical rubber hits the road. The nonprofit, run by Chance’s Day 1’s Justin Cunningham and Essence Smith, is connecting with local youth via social media to organize a local scene teeming with activist/artist talent. Their monthly OpenMike features Chance and others orchestrating Chicago’s next big things, pouring poetry and art from kids who are emphatically, undeniably, finding their voices.