Donda Clairann West (née Williams; July 12, 1949 – November 10, 2007) was an American educator and chair of Chicago State University's Department of English, Communications, Media, and Theater.

In all, West spent 27 years at Chicago State, in head of the department of English, communications, media and theater.

[12] West was tasked with a mission to battle dropout and illiteracy rates, while partnering with community organizations to provide underprivileged youth access to music education.

[13] The Foundation's first initiative, Loop Dreams, challenged at-risk students to learn how to write and produce music while simultaneously improving their academic skills.

[16] The Dr. Donda West Foundation was committed to providing high-quality programs in partnership with community organizations such as Challengers Boys & Girls Club in South Central Los Angeles, California.

[19] In January 2008, the Los Angeles County coroner's office said that she had died of coronary artery disease and multiple post-operative factors from cosmetic surgery.

[20] Authorities in Los Angeles launched an investigation into her death after learning the doctor who operated on her, Jan Adams, had convictions for alcohol-related offenses and at least two major malpractice settlements.

He dedicated a performance of "Hey Mama", as well as a cover of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'," to his mother, and did so on all other dates of his Glow in the Dark Tour.

This legislation makes it mandatory for patients to receive medical clearance through a physical examination before undergoing elective cosmetic surgery.

[24] 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.

[25] Kanye's writing partner and friend, Rhymefest, lamented West's death in an appearance on Chicago radio station WCGI.

"[26] Kanye and Rhymefest founded the non-profit Donda's House in 2013, a free music writing program with the goal of helping at-risk Chicago youth.

On "Touch the Sky" from the same album, Kanye thanks his mom for always supporting him during the lean times, especially when she drove him to New York from Chicago in a rented U-Haul van.

[38] He also opened Donda Academy, a pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 Christian private school, in Simi Valley, California.