Ye’s Late Mother Donda West Honored With Street Renaming in Chicago

On Tuesday, September 22, Kanye West returned to Chicago to attend a ceremony honoring his late mother, Donda West, with the renaming of a street. The East 78th Street in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood, where West grew up, was rechristened Dr. Donda West Way. West did not speak at the event, but did unveil the honorary street sign.

Donda West, who passed away in 2007 at the age of 58 due to complications from coronary artery disease and post-operative issues following cosmetic surgery, was more than just a mother to her son. She was also a respected scholar and educator. 7th Ward Alderman Greg Mitchell praised Donda West, describing her as a "scholar... a builder of people, a cultivator of talent, and a champion for Black creativity and intellectual excellence."

Donda West served as the chair of the English Department and professor at Chicago State University, where she established the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing. Several of West's close friends and collaborators, including designer Don C, Rhymefest, GLC, and Really Doe, attended the ceremony. Donda West's influence on her son's life and career was profound, inspiring many of his songs, such as "Hey Mama" and "Only One."

The album "Donda," released in 2021, was named after his mother and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Since her passing, West has continued to tour globally, with upcoming shows in Indonesia and Houston.