Dr. Donda West’s legacy now has a permanent place on the streets of Chicago.
The late educator and mother of rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, was honored Tuesday with an honorary street designation. A portion of 78th Street on Chicago’s South Side now bears the name “Dr. Donda West Way.” The designation covers 78th Street from South Shore Drive to Coles Avenue. The area sits near the West family’s former South Shore home.
Ye attended the Sept. 22 ceremony and helped unveil the street sign bearing his mother’s name. The moment brought together West’s family, former colleagues, friends, community leaders and several figures from Chicago’s hip-hop scene. Among those present were Che “Rhymefest” Smith, Leonard “GLC” Harris, Don “Don C” Crawley and Warren “Really Doe” Trotter.
West died in 2007 at 58 following complications associated with surgery. Nearly two decades later, speakers focused largely on the life she built before her death.
Remembering Donda West Beyond Music
West spent more than two decades teaching at Chicago State University. She also served as chair of the university’s English Department. During her academic career, West helped establish the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing.
Chicago State professor Garrard McClendon nominated West for the honorary street designation. He also spoke during Tuesday’s ceremony.
“As chair of the Department of English at Chicago State, she played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape of the institution,” McClendon said.
Chicago Alderman Greg Mitchell, who represents the 7th Ward, also reflected on West’s influence.
“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,” Mitchell said.
The Chicago City Council proposal for “Dr. Donda West Way” was introduced in May 2024. Mitchell sponsored the honorary designation. The honor recognizes a career that extended beyond the classroom.
West was also a Fulbright scholar, businesswoman and mentor. Those closest to her recalled a woman who welcomed young creatives into her home. That group included several artists who later became important figures within Chicago’s hip-hop community.
Rhymefest described West as a mother figure to more people than Ye.
“This is really a story about a woman who raised a community of boys,” Smith said during the ceremony.
A Legacy That Lives Through Chicago
For Ye, the street naming adds another public tribute to the woman whose influence has remained visible throughout his career. He named his 2021 studio album “Donda” after his mother. Her voice has also appeared throughout his music.
However, Tuesday’s ceremony placed the spotlight firmly on West’s accomplishments outside her son’s fame. Friends remembered her support for Chicago’s young artists before their careers had taken shape.
They also described a mentor who challenged them to think seriously about their words, choices and futures. GLC recalled West as a source of encouragement for young people growing up around her.
“She made us feel limitless,” he said.
West’s influence also reached generations of students through her work in higher education and Black literature. Now, Chicago residents walking through South Shore will have another reminder of that work. Signs bearing her name stand near the neighborhood where she lived, taught and helped nurture a generation of creatives.
For Rhymefest, the street designation solidifies something many who knew West already understood.
“I think this day really makes Donda West a Chicago institution,” he said.
Leave a Reply