Donda West is a professor and chair of Chicago State University in the United States; she has exceptional skills in Communications, Media, and Theater.
In addition, she was also known by her famous son, Kanye West, who is a musician and designer, and recognized worldwide.
Her Childhood, Education & Family
Donda West belonged to a mediocre family and was raised in Oklahoma City. She enrolled in her hometown school in Oklahoma. To pursue her higher studies, she went to Virginia Union University in 1971 and earned her bachelor’s degree in English.
In 1980 she availed a degree of doctoral from Auburn University 1980. According to the report, it is stated that in 1958, she participated in a Katz Drug Store sit-in in Oklahoma City along with his father.
Her Motherhood Struggles & Unconditional Love For His Sons
West brought up her son Kanye in the Chicago region with her husband, Ray West.
Kayne was three years old when she got separated and divorced her husband – Ray West. In 2004, she retired and relocated to California to work full-time for her son.
She had unconditional love for his son, and she was seen at his parties, awards, and ceremonies.
She was also a staunch supporter of her son’s controversial stories and always defended her son.
In one of the interviews, West stated that she raised her son to be exceptional. “There is no place for timidity. I raised him to think critically and analytically, and to not be scared to express his feelings. That was something I helped shape. Leaders, in my opinion, must do this.”
She was also the CEO of West Brands, the parent company, which she founded along with her son. They both established the non-profit Kanye West Foundation in 2003 with the goal of combating dropout and illiteracy rates while collaborating with community organizations to offer impoverished youngsters who cannot meet their needs. Their goal was also surrounded by access to music education for youngsters.
They had to face a lot of struggles while running the organization Loop Dreams, which is the name of the Foundation, initially challenged by the risk of learning, writing, and producing music while also improving their academic skills.
As part of their “Ed in ’08” initiative, the foundation worked with Strong American Schools in 2007.
After her demise, the foundation was renamed with Dr. Donda West Foundation, which was dedicated to delivering high-quality programs and providing perks to the members of the Organization.
Its goal was also rendering charitable services by collaborating with neighborhood organizations like the Challengers Boys & Girls Club in South Central Los Angeles, California.
In 2011, the foundation suspended operations due to some reason and faced problems.
Brave Woman Died Of Coronary Artery Disease
Donda West died on November 10, 2007, at the age of 58, and the news was confirmed by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office. And after one year of her death, Los Angeles announced that she died of coronary artery disease and multiple postoperative causes related to cosmetic surgery.
The doctor found who medically took her case and speculated that there were some speculations of alcohol-related offenses and at least two substantial malpractice settlements; authorities in Los Angeles initiated an investigation into her death.
Kanye West performed his first concert after the funeral on November 22 at London’s O2 Arena. On all other dates of his Glow in the Dark tour.
In the concert, he dedicated a performance of his song, “Hey Mama,” as well as a cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” to his mother. He had a great love for her mother because, throughout the span of his career, Kanya’s mother stood by him all the time.
Donda West is one of the wealthiest and most popular members of the family, as she belonged to a mediocre family.
Donda West’s net worth is estimated to be around USD 1.5 million, as per the report given by Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider.
On the other hand, her son -Kanye West’s net worth is reported to be around USD 130 million. His fortune stems from his job as a record producer, record designer, and fashion designer.
He has earned more than USD 100 million, according to sources. His rap music has been played at a number of music events throughout the world.
Despite the fact that his work is musical and artistic, his net worth is enormous and continues to grow.
According to the most recent figures regarding his net worth, it is stated that he owns approximately USD 110 million in music catalog, and his catalog has worth around USD110.5 million, according to the Valentiam Group.
More importantly, In 2016, his total net worth reached USD 53 million, and since then, he has signed many important contracts, which auto increased his wealth.
Her Son – Kayne, Tributed Her Mom In His Song ‘Hey Mama’
Donda West’s death affected Kanye’s life badly, as he was very attached to his mother. He tributed his mother with his 2005 song, “Hey Mama,” and the song was about her.
On the same album, there is another song, “Touch the Sky”, he also thanked his mother for always being there for him, notably when she drove him to New York from Chicago in a leased U-Haul van.