When Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson from The Roots learned his old high school received budget cuts from the government, he decided to take matters into his own hands and have The Roots save their old high school music program.
The school is going to lose $1.1 million and have to cut 19 staff members, after-school clubs, extracurricular activities, and even its annual theater production. This is nothing new, and sadly the arts are almost always the first programs to be cut. That’s why The Roots have started a foundation to save their old high school.
“I’m taking this as a state of emergency,” said The Roots drummer Questlove. “It culitaved us. It educated us. This is more than just pay it forward or celeb guilt. This is necessary. …It keeps you out of trouble. It helps you develop your personality. If you take that away, you’re just a machine.”
He was planning to donate the $1 million himself, but was convinced to use corporate sponsors to create a long-term plan for the school. Thus, the Creative and Performing Arts foundation was started. It aims to raise $500,000 annually for the first five years, and then $1 million for every year after that.
There are countless studies that suggest music education is equally important for the development of children and it is great to see a band like The Roots get involved.
Tell us what you think about The Roots taking care of their old high school? Should more bands adopt schools like The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith Did ?
Check out The Roots on The Tonight Show (Sorry, is it too early for this song?)
