Chicago Renamed South Side Street for Donda West
The city honored the late academic and literary leader by designating 78th Street as Dr. Donda West Way.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in African-American
Chicago officials have officially renamed a portion of 78th Street on the South Side to Dr. Donda West Way. The honorary designation commemorates the enduring legacy of Donda West, who was a respected academic and literary figure.
Why it matters
The renaming serves as a formal recognition of the significant contributions Donda West made to the local literary community and academic life in Chicago. It highlights her role as a dedicated educator who helped shape the cultural landscape of the city.
Donda West served at Chicago State University for nearly 30 years, where she chaired the Department of English. She is also remembered for establishing the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing.
The players
Donda West
She was a distinguished English department chair and academic who dedicated three decades to Chicago State University.
Kanye West
He is a globally recognized musician and designer who returned to his hometown to support the honorary street naming for his mother.
Chicago City Council
The local legislative body of Chicago responsible for enacting the honorary street name change.
The details
The Chicago City Council approved the honorary street naming to honor West's long-standing academic career and her literary advocacy. Her son, Kanye West, returned to the South Side for the ceremony to mark the tribute to his late mother.
Timeline
Donda West passed away in 2007.
Kanye West returned to Chicago in September 2026.
Culture Shift
This street renaming aligns with the broader societal trend of local governments formally acknowledging the historical and cultural contributions of Black academics and literary figures. It positions this tribute as a deliberate effort to solidify the legacy of individuals who shaped community education.
Residents and visitors on the South Side will see new signage reflecting the honorary name of Dr. Donda West Way along 78th Street. The change serves as a permanent landmark celebrating local educational history within the neighborhood.
The takeaway
Honoring educators through civic markers helps preserve local history and inspires future generations of scholars in the community. Residents can reflect on West's career by exploring the Gwendolyn Brooks Center archives at Chicago State University.
Further reading
For more stories on cultural contributions, visit African-American.
