Chicago Unveils Honorary Dr. Donda West Way Sign

Chicago unveiled an honorary street sign for Dr. Donda West in the South Shore neighborhood on September 22, recognizing the late educator’s work in the city. Her son, Ye, attended the ceremony and helped unveil the sign bearing the name Dr. Donda West Way. The designation applies to a portion of 78th Street near South Shore Drive and the West family’s former home. One account describes the stretch as extending from South Shore Drive to Coles Avenue, while other reports do not specify both endpoints. The designation is honorary and does not replace the street’s existing name; the municipal record defining its exact limits was not provided. West, who died in 2007 at age 58, spent more than two decades teaching at Chicago State University and chaired its English Department. She also helped establish the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing. At the ceremony, speakers highlighted her academic career and support for young artists, placing her contributions to education and Chicago’s cultural community at the center of the tribute.