Che “Rhymefest” Smith Seeking Votes from Grooves to Grades

George “P-Funk” Clinton headlined a festive campaign fundraiser Tuesday night for rapper-turned-politician Che “Rhymefest” Smith, who is running for alderman of Chicago’s 20th Ward. Len Kody writing for Depolitics1011.com got some photos of Clinton in action and some video of performances at the event.

Incumbent Ald. Willie B. Cochran, a retired Chicago Police sergeant and South Side small business owner, beat former Ald. Arenda Troutman in the last election. This time around, George E. Davis, Andre Smith, Sidney “Sid” Shelton, and Che “Rhymefest” Smith are vying with Cochran for the aldermanic job. The Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO) has endorsed Rhymefest in his bid to become alderman of the 20th Ward.

On Thursday, Jan. 6, Che “Rhymefest” Smith will be on stage in a different role, as he joins Dr. Cornel West and educational leaders for the Chicago Urban Education Forum to be held at Kennedy King College at 740 W. 63rd St., U Building, Great Hall. West, 56, is a Princeton professor, philosopher, civil rights activist, classical violinist and actor (in two “Matrix” movies) who travels the country delivering lectures and appears frequently on the Tavis Smiley show.

The educational forum, hosted by MAGIC (Metropolitan Area Group for Igniting Civilization) in conjunction with Urban Thought, will feature Dr. West and Rhymefest along with Dr. Timuel Black (Professor Emeritus of City College Chicago), Dr. Joseph A. Strickland (Researcher, UIC, Jane Addams College of Social Work), Dina Everage (Principal at Walter Reed and Wentworth Elementary School), Dennis Lacewell (Principal Urban Prep Academy Englewood Campus), Karen Lewis (President of the Chicago Teachers Union), Dr. David Omotoso Stovall (Assistant Professor University of Illinois at Chicago) and Dr. Wayne Watson (President of Chicago State University). Dr. Garrard McClendon, Ph.D., talk show host and educator, will be the master of ceremonies. The many complex educational issues facing the South Side of Chicago will be on the agenda, with time for questions from the public.