Kanye West Visits Hometown as Chicago Honours His Mother, Dr. Donda West, With a Special Gesture

Published 09/22/2026, 9:16 PM EDT

Kanye West and Donda at the 2005 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas - 06 November 2005 FAM16698

Just a few weeks ago, Kanye West, now known as Ye, toured around the world as part of his Ye Live Concert Tour. Earlier this month, the rapper and songwriter wrapped up the tour with energetic performances during a two-night event in his hometown of Chicago. Now, he is back in the city, but this time, it is not for a concert.

The rapper returned to Chicago to witness a special tribute to his mother, Dr. Donda West. The city honored West, who was an educator, with a street dedication in her name.

Kanye West in attendance for mother’s special honor

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More than a decade after Dr. Donda West's passing, Chicago honored her with a street dedication on September 22, 2026. Her son, Kanye West, now known as Ye, was in attendance at the event, as WGN News reported. He was joined by Chicago rap legends including GLC, Don C, Really Doe, and Rhymefest. Chicago State University writer and professor Garrard McClendon and alderman for Chicago’s 7th Ward, Greg Mitchell, were also in attendance.

Donda West and Kanye West at the book signing for Kanye West's mother Donda West s book Raising Kanye: Life Lessons From The Mother Of A Hip-Hop Superstar at Waterstones bookstore in Piccadilly London, England - 30.06.07, London, United Kingdom WENN 1421516

As WGN News reported, the intersection of 78th Street and South Shore Drive has been dedicated in Dr. West’s name to honor her immense contributions to education and Chicago culture. She was a professor and chair of the English Department at Chicago State University. Dr. Donda West also established the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing, where she served as a professor.

She passed away at the age of 58 in 2007. Since then, the rapper has often paid tribute to his mother, including with his 2021 album 'Donda'. Her voice also features at the end of the song “Mama’s Favorite” from his new album, 'Bully.'

Kanye West Reunites With Kid Cudi on Stage, Shares a Hug With Longtime Friend

While Ye has entertained fans over the past few months with his concerts, his recent update regarding his work has disappointed many.

Kanye West’s update on next album

Kanye West, now known as Ye, awed fans with his performances during his Ye Live Concert Tour and the release of his new album, 'Bully' this year. However, fans are now looking ahead and wondering when the rapper will return with another album. Amid the speculation, Ye shared a disappointing update.

“I’m not working on a new album yet …,” West wrote on X on July 10, 2026.

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Entertainment Themen der Woche KW50 Entertainment Bilder des Tages Kanye West, DJ Khaled, Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla Sign, Teyana Taylor and Zoey Dollaz at LIV on Sunday as part of Art Basel. Featuring: Kanye West, Ye When: 11 Dec 2023 Credit: Seth Browarnik startraksphoto.com EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE BY NEWSPAPERS BASED IN THE UK. Copyright: xx 53293545

That update may have been upsetting, considering that West’s album 'Bully' came after a lengthy wait. He had previously delayed the release of 'Bully' after several promises to release the album, before finally dropping it in March 2026. And since he has yet to begin work on another album, it remains to be seen when fans can expect a new project from the rapper and record producer.

Kanye West Reunites With Kid Cudi on Stage, Shares a Hug With Longtime Friend

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What do you think about this special tribute to Dr. Donda West? Let us know in the comments.

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Pritha Debroy

1251 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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