18 Facts About Donda West

Donda C West was an American educator and chair of Chicago State University's Department of English, Communications, Media, and Theater.

Donda West was best known for being the biological mother of the American rapper Kanye West.

Donda West earned her bachelor's degree in English from Virginia Union University in 1971 and her doctoral degree from Auburn University in 1980.

Donda West began her teaching career in the early 1970s at Morris Brown College in Atlanta and began working at Chicago State University in 1980.

Donda West taught English at Nanjing University for a year as a scholar through the Fulbright US Scholar Program.

Donda West raised Kanye in the Chicago area along with her husband, Ray, from whom she separated when Kanye was 3.

Donda West retired in 2004 and moved to California to work full-time for her son.

Donda West was often seen at his side at parties and award shows.

Donda West was a firm defender of her son's controversial comments.

In 2008, the foundation was renamed to the Dr Donda West Foundation following her death.

Donda West's memoir, Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Star, was published in 2009.

Donda West wrote in her book that she always wanted her son to go to college, but after witnessing his passion for hip hop and his talent producing beats, she later supported his decision to pursue music.

Donda West's House was renamed Art of Culture, Incorporated after a contentious split between Rhymefest and Kanye.

Donda West's words were written with power and this book proves it.

Donda West was an unsung leader who infused culture and 'knowledge of self' into the curriculum.

Donda West is the subject of Kanye's song "Hey Mama", which appeared on his 2005 album Late Registration.

Donda West opened Donda Academy, a pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 Christian private school, in Simi Valley, California.

The school's basketball team, the Donda West Doves, includes top prospects from across the United States.