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Dr. Donda West, scholar and mother of Kanye West, honored with street name in South Shore

  • On Tuesday, Chicago officials and rapper Kanye West unveiled 'Dr. Donda West Way' at 7800 S. South Shore Drive, honoring the late professor's profound impact on education, art, and culture.
  • Dr. Donda West served as a Chicago State University professor for nearly three decades, chairing the English Department and founding the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing before her death in 2007 at age 58.
  • Former students and mentees, including rapper Che 'Rhymefest' Smith, recalled how West fostered their talents and opened her home; Smith said, 'I love my biological mama, and I'm so proud to have a village mom like Dr. Donda West.'
  • Alderman Greg Mitchell noted the street sign at 78th Street and South Shore Drive serves as a permanent reminder that 'greatness is not distant; it is homegrown,' ensuring young people recognize West's legacy.
  • Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon announced a county resolution honoring West's contributions to youth mentorship and her 'enduring legacy of inspiring and empowering generations through scholarship, creativity and service' in the South Shore community.
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WFLD broke the news in Chicago, United States on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
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