Home / Arts and Entertainment / Chicago Renames Street to Honor Ye's Mother, Donda West
Chicago Renames Street to Honor Ye's Mother, Donda West
23 Sep
Summary
- A Chicago street was renamed Dr. Donda West Way for Ye's late mother.
- Donda West was a scholar, professor, and founder of a creative writing center.
- She passed away in 2007 due to health complications after cosmetic surgery.
In a poignant ceremony, Chicago has renamed East 78th Street in the South Shore neighborhood to Dr. Donda West Way, honoring the late mother of Ye (formerly Kanye West). The street is located near where Ye was raised. This renaming serves as a tribute to Dr. Donda West's legacy as a scholar and educator.
Dr. West, who passed away in 2007, was a respected professor and chair of the English Department at Chicago State University. She also founded the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing, significantly shaping minds and championing Black creativity.
The ceremony saw the unveiling of the honorary street sign by Ye himself, accompanied by close friends and collaborators. Dr. West's passing at 58 was attributed to coronary artery disease, exacerbated by post-operative complications after cosmetic surgery.
