(Credit: Nick Kirkpatrick/FTWP)

Thursday afternoon, Chuck D, [Kenny] Gamble, [Chrisette] Michele, singer and Ellington alum Sylver Logan Sharp and singer-guitarist Rev. Vernon Burch spoke to students and press about the importance of arts in education — as well as Ellington’s capital campaign to raise money in tough times.

“This school should be a prototype,” Chuck D said during the conference. “The arts can’t support the community if the community can’t support the arts.”

Before the conference, Head of School Rory Pullens explained the necessity of the fund-raiser. “It is no secret that school district budgets are decimated and money is being lost year after year,” Pullens said. “To run a program like Duke Ellington you need the support.” Read more…