Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, returned to his hometown of Chicago Tuesday for a deeply personal tribute to his late mother, Dr. Donda West.

The Chicago educator and longtime university professor was honored with a street dedication at 78th Street and South Shore Drive, near the home where she and her son once lived. The honorary street sign, Dr. Donda West Way, recognizes a woman whose influence extended well beyond her family and neighborhood and into Chicago’s educational, artistic and cultural communities.

Chicago 7th Ward Alderman Greg Mitchell described Donda West as a “builder of people,” praising her contributions to education and her influence on generations of young people.

Mitchell also called her a “cultivator of talents” and a “champion for Black creativity and intellectual excellence,” saying her impact reached “far beyond the block, far beyond Chicago, and far beyond her lifetime.”

During the ceremony, Ye asked Mitchell if he could personally unveil the new street sign honoring his mother. He was joined by several longtime friends and Chicago artists, including Che “Rhymefest” Smith, Leonard “GLC” Harris, Really Doe and Don “Don C” Crawley.

Remembering Donda West’s Legacy

Donda West died in 2007 at age 58 following what was described as “multiple post-operative factors following surgery.” Before becoming widely known as the mother of one of the world’s most recognizable music artists, she built a lengthy career as an educator.

West spent nearly three decades teaching at Chicago State University, where she also served as chair of the English Department. Former colleagues and community members remembered her Tuesday for the influence she had on students and young people throughout Chicago.

Garrard McClendon, an author, professor and former colleague of West at Chicago State, said her influence reached far beyond the classroom.

McClendon described West as someone who “left an indelible imprint on the landscape of education, art and culture in Chicago,” adding that she built her career around the belief that education could change the direction of a young person’s life.

But McClendon said her most enduring legacy may have been the relationship she shared with her son.

“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.

For people who knew the family, Donda West’s influence was not limited to Ye. Rhymefest and GLC also reflected on the role she played in the lives of young people growing up in Chicago.

Harris described West as a “light” in a neighborhood that could often be difficult for young people to navigate.

“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.

He recalled how she encouraged young people to believe in themselves and said she made them feel that their possibilities were limitless.

“We were her sons as well, and I will be forever grateful for her,” Harris said. “May she live forever. We will never let Ms. West go.”

Donda’s Influence on Ye’s Music

The Chicago visit comes as Ye continues a global stadium tour and marks his second appearance in the city this month. He recently performed two shows at Soldier Field before continuing on to upcoming performances in Indonesia, Texas and Arizona.

Throughout his career, Ye has frequently referenced his mother and the influence she had on his life and music.

His 2021 album “DONDA” was named after her and explored themes of family, faith, loss and remembrance. More recently, her voice appears on his album “BULLY” on the song “Mama’s Favorite.”

The dedication of Dr. Donda West Way gives Chicago another permanent reminder of the educator whose career touched generations of students and whose influence on her son became part of the city’s cultural history.

For Ye, Tuesday’s ceremony was more than the unveiling of a street sign. It was a return home to honor the woman he has continued to celebrate through his music, his memories and his public life nearly two decades after her death.