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A memorial service was held for Donda West Friday on the campus of Chicago State University, where she taught for 24 years and served as chair of the English and Communications, Media Arts and Theater departments.
The mother of rap superstar Kanye West was remembered by hundreds of friends, colleagues and family members following her death last Saturday night due to complications from plastic surgery performed the day before.
West, who is reportedly devastated by his mother's passing, was not present at the memorial. According to reports, he is in Europe preparing for an upcoming tour.The artist's cousin was on hand in Chicago to represent the family.
"This is an absolutely impossible assignment, both emotionally and practically," said current English and Communications Department chair Dr. Brenda Eatman Aghahowa, who's also an ordained minister, in addressing the overflow crowd in the campus auditorium.
"Not only am I having to say something about my dear friend, whom we all have lost far too early, I also have to say what I want to say in just a few minutes," she said. "And as I often jokingly tell people, as a black preacher, I need at least five minutes just to clear my throat."
In her eulogy, Aghahowa spoke of West's quest to honor black culture, as well as celebrate each and every person's individual qualities and contributions to society.
"No big I's and no little you's in Donda's department" was one of West's mantras, according to Aghahowa.
A friend of West's read this poem at the memorial: "How shall we celebrate mothers?/How shall we call them in the winter of their lives?/What melody will cure slow bones?/Who will bring them worriless late-years?/Who will thank them for hidden pains?"
A funeral for Dr. West is scheduled for tomorrow (Nov. 20) in her hometown of Oklahoma City. Her family has asked that people send donations to the organization in lieu of flowers.
