Kanye West Helps Unveil Dr. Donda West Way As Chicago Honors His Late Mother

Kanye West’s late mother, Dr. Donda West, has been commemorated by the city of Chicago with a street renamed in her honor. On Tuesday (Sept. 22), East 78th Street in the South Shore neighborhood, near where the artist grew up, was officially designated as Dr. Donda West Way.

“Dr. Donda West was not only a scholar — she was a builder of people, a cultivator of talent, and a champion for Black creativity and intellectual excellence,” stated 7th Ward Alderman Greg Mitchell, who served as the master of ceremonies for the South Side event. “For nearly three decades, Dr. West shaped minds and opened doors.”

Although Kanye West did not speak during the ceremony, he was present to unveil the honorary street sign. He was joined by notable figures from Chicago, including GLC, Don C, Really Doe, and RhymeFest, who came to show their support.

Dr. Donda West was a professor and chair of the English Department at Chicago State University. She passed away at the age of 58 in 2007, one day after undergoing cosmetic surgery. The official report from the Los Angeles County coroner concluded that her death was due to pre-existing coronary artery disease and multiple post-operative factors. Kanye West has consistently honored his mother during her lifetime and continues to do so after her passing.

His tribute to her is notably recognized in “Hey Mama” from the 2005 album Late Registration. Earlier, he expressed his feelings in lines from “Jesus Walks” on The College Dropout, saying, “My mama used to say only Jesus can save us / Well, mama, I know I act a fool / But I’ll be gone ’til November, I