Donda West 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, with a section of 78th Street on Chicago’s South Side now named “Dr. Donda West Way.”
The designation covers 78th Street from South Shore Drive to Coles Avenue, near the West family’s former home in the South Shore neighborhood.
Ye attended the Sept. 22 ceremony and helped unveil the street sign bearing his mother’s name. Family members, former colleagues, friends, community leaders and members of Chicago’s hip-hop community also gathered for the tribute.
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, the ceremony focused heavily on the life and work she built long before her death.
West spent more than two decades teaching at Chicago State University, where she also served as chair of the English Department. During her academic career, she helped establish the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing.
Chicago State professor Garrard McClendon nominated West for the honorary street designation and spoke at the 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 and sponsored the designation, also highlighted West’s broader 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.
West was also a Fulbright scholar, businesswoman and mentor. Friends and artists who knew her recalled how she welcomed young creatives into her home and encouraged them before many had established careers.
Rhymefest described her influence as extending well beyond her relationship with Ye.
“This is really a story about a woman who raised a community of boys,” Smith said during the ceremony.
For Ye, his mother’s influence has remained a visible part of his career. He named his 2021 studio album “Donda” after her, while her voice has also appeared throughout his music.
But the Chicago ceremony placed the emphasis elsewhere — on the educator and mentor who helped shape students, encouraged young artists and contributed to the city’s Black literary and creative community.
“She made us feel limitless,” GLC said.
Now, residents walking through South Shore will encounter her name near the neighborhood where she lived, taught and nurtured young creatives.
For Rhymefest, the new street designation formalizes the place West already held in the city’s history.
“I think this day really makes Donda West a Chicago institution,” he said.
