Today in Chicago History: Chance the Rapper writes $1 million check to CPS

Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on March 6, according to the Tribune’s archives.

Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

High temperature: 70 degrees (2000)
Low temperature: 0 degrees (2015)
Precipitation: 0.92 inches (1894)
Snowfall: 4 inches (1943)

FILE - In this March 1, 1964, file photo, world heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, right, is shown with Black Muslim Leader, Malcolm X, outside the Trans-Lux Newsreel Theater on Broadway at 49th Street in New York City. They had just watched a screening of films on Ali's title fight with Sonny Liston in Miami Beach, Feb. 25. After beating Sonny Liston to win the heavyweight title in 1964, Ali announced that he converted to Islam and was a follower of the Nation of Islam. (AP Photo/File) — World heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, right, is shown on March 1, 1964, with Black Muslim leader Malcolm X, outside the Trans-Lux Newsreel Theater on Broadway at 49th Street in New York City. They had just watched a screening of films on Ali’s title fight with Sonny Liston Feb. 25 in Miami Beach. After beating Liston to win the heavyweight title in 1964, Ali announced that he converted to Islam and was a follower of the Nation of Islam. (AP)

1964: Elijah Muhammad, head of the Chicago-based Nation of Islam, bestowed the name Muhammad Ali on new follower Cassius Clay.

“I am honored,” the heavyweight champion said when notified in Louisville.

Runner Tom O'Hara of Loyola pours it on in the home stretch, crossing the finish line in 3:56.4 to break his indoor mile record on March 7, 1964. Most of the crowd misses his finish their eyes are on the timer. (Chicago Tribune historical photo) staff photo published March 8, 1964. Date Created: 1964-03-07 Copyright Notice: Chicago Tribune Folder Description: O'Hara, Tom Folder Extended Description: Runner Alone Title: O'Hara, Tom Subject: O'HARA, TOM — Runner Tom O’Hara of Loyola pours it on in the home stretch, crossing the finish line in 3:56.4 to break his indoor mile record on March 7, 1964. Most of the crowd misses his finish — their eyes are on the timer. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)

Also in 1964: Loyola University sprinter Tom O’Hara set the indoor mile record of 3:56.4 in the Bankers Mile at Chicago Stadium in the 1964 Chicago Daily News Relays.

Chance the Rapper holds a press conference at Westcott Elementary School in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood on Monday, March 6, 2017.Chance the Rapper met with Gov. Bruce Rauner last week and promised to come up with a plan for the cash-strapped Chicago Public Schools. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune). — Chance the Rapper holds a news conference at Westcott Elementary School in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood on March 6, 2017. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune).

2017: Hours after Gov. Bruce Rauner offered two options to provide $215 million to Chicago Public Schools, Chance the Rapper cut the district a $1 million check that the Grammy-winning musician described as a “call to action” for the city’s business and philanthropic community.

Chance was critical of the Republican governor’s efforts to fix the city’s schools during a news conference in West Chatham on the South Side, not far from the musician’s old neighborhood.

“Gov. Rauner still won’t commit to give Chicago’s kids a chance without caveats or ultimatums,” Chance told students and reporters at Westcott Elementary School. “Gov. Rauner, do your job.”

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