It has been revealed, through a credited study, that 92% of Chicago’s black teens are unemployed; another tragic reminder of the tough economic policies governing the city at the moment. Thankfully, two of the hip hop’s biggest act are product of the Second City’s streets and refuse to turn their backs on their hometown. Kanye West’s Donda House Inc. and Common‘s foundation are preparing to partner with the Chicago Urban League  to create 20,000 jobs for youth.

Hoping to steer youth from the a life of crime, Common hopes that this will provide them an opportunity for positive lifestyles.

“Obviously, one of the biggest reasons our kids are going through what they’re going through is because of poverty. I was doing an event in the neighborhood and there were some kids from Englewood and I said, ‘Man, what do y’all really need? What’s gonna stop this?’ And they were like, ‘We need money. Man, if we could work.’ They want a chance,” said rapper Common. (Via Popinlines )

These won’t just be summer jobs, Andrea Zopp, CEO of the Chicago Urban League, hopes to provide youth with year long employment. There will be a concert raise money and awareness for this initiative, to be held on September 20-21. This is such a positive movement, we are hoping for their success.

Jimi (@Nativejimi)