Kanye West Returns To South Shore For Street Renaming In Honor Of His Late Mother, Donda

SOUTH SHORE — Chicago-born rapper Kanye West returned home Tuesday to celebrate the renaming of a South Shore street in honor of his late mother, Donda West. 

A cappella clips of a young Kanye West, known professionally as Ye, played through DJ Farley “Jackmaster” Funk’s speakers Tuesday as local leaders gathered at the corner of 7800 S. South Shore Drive to honor Donda West, “a woman whose impact stretches far beyond the block, far beyond Chicago and far beyond her lifetime,” Ald. Greg Mitchell (7th) said.

Donda and Kanye West’s former home still stands in Mitchell’s ward at 7815 S. South Shore Drive.

Before the world knew her son’s name, Donda West was a professor at Chicago State University for nearly three decades. She served as chair of the English department and founded Chicago State University’s Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing, Mitchell said.

“She created a home where young writers, thinkers and artists could discover their voice and their power,” Mitchell said. 

Donda West died on Nov. 10, 2007, at 58. Before and after her death, Donda West has been prominent in her son’s career, including being the namesake for his 2021 album “DONDA.”

Now, Mitchell said, the honorary street name will serve as a permanent reminder that brilliance, leadership and “a Black woman who lifted others, who taught with love and who believed in the power of creativity” lived in South Shore.

“The street naming ensures that every single young person who walks this block will see her name and know that greatness is not distant; it is homegrown,” Mitchell said.

Garrard McClendon, a Chicago State University professor, author and former colleague to Donda West, nominated the late professor for the honorary street renaming.

McClendon became emotional as he spoke of Donda West, who “left an indelible imprint on the landscape of education, art and culture in Chicago,” McClendon said.

Donda West “built her entire career around the belief that education can change the direction of a young person’s life,” said Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon.

Gordon announced a county resolution Tuesday honoring Donda West’s life and contributions to education, youth mentorship, the arts “and for her enduring legacy of inspiring and empowering generations through scholarship, creativity and service,” Gordon said. 

Donda West’s “most enduring legacy lies in the love and devotion she bestowed upon her son,” McClendon said. Grammy-winning artist Kanye West, wearing dark shades, joined local officials in honoring his mother, though he did not make any public remarks.

“As a mother, she imparted invaluable lessons of resilience, determination and integrity, shaping him into the fearless artist and cultural icon he is today,” McClendon said. 

Donda West’s love and care for young people extended beyond the classroom to the community, said Che “Rhymefest” Smith.

“There are giants walking among us at all times,” Smith said at the event.

Growing up, that was Donda West, he said. 

“What I couldn’t get at school, I could get at Donda’s house,” Smith said. What I couldn’t get at home, sometimes I could get at Donda’s house.”

Standing next to his “brothers,” Kanye West and fellow Chicago-born rapper Leonard “GLC” Harris, Smith encouraged neighbors to care for each other “and recognize and sit at the foot of the teachers and the giants in our midst,” Smith said.

Donda West “was a beacon of light,” Harris said. Under the GLC moniker, the rapper is featured on the Kanye West songs “Drive Slow” and “Spaceship.”

“Growing up in a neighborhood that was shrouded in darkness, you always knew that you could find a light in the midst of Dr. West,” Harris said. 

The late professor invited kids like Harris into her home and poured love, knowledge, wisdom and understanding into them, he said.  

“She made us feel limitless,” Harris said. “We were her sons as well, and I will be forever grateful for her. May she live forever. We will never let Ms. West go. She’s here with us today. I can feel her spirit, and she lives on forever. She lives through us all.” 

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