Che "Rhymefest" Kweku
Dr. Che “Rhymefest” Smith is a multi-Grammy and Academy Award–winning artist, civic leader, cultural strategist, and global humanitarian whose work bridges culture, education, governance, and community transformation.
In 2024, he was elected to the Chicago Public Schools Board of Education, helping govern a $9 billion district and shape policy impacting more than 320,000 students, bringing an artist’s creativity, a storyteller’s insight, and a policymaker’s vision to education and civic leadership.
A pioneering voice in hip-hop for more than two decades, Che co-wrote the Grammy-winning breakout hit Jesus Walks with Kanye West and the Oscar- and Grammy-winning song Glory with Common and John Legend from the film Selma. His artistry reflects both creative excellence and deep cultural commentary. Che leads conversations about cultural intelligence, narrative power, leadership responsibility, and community-centered innovation, bringing practical frameworks that resonate across universities, corporations, civic institutions, and cultural convenings.
Books & Movies
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