It was the moment the entire city of Chicago was waiting for. After performing for 3,000 local high school students earlier in the day, Kanye West treated fans, friends and family with his second show of the day at the Chicago Theatre.
The concerts and red carpet reception marked the first event for the Kanye West Foundation, since the passing of his mother, Donda West. While everyone from Raven Symone to Mayor Richard M. Daley was on hand to support and praise West, the Chi’s prodigal son only had his mother and her message at heart.
“Well, this is me and my mother’s dream coming true,” West told Rolling out before going on stage. “[My mother] has always been into education – my mother and my father.”
Arguably one of the world’s biggest entertainers and cultural icons, West seemed visually and emotionally humbled by the experience. West delivered on his commitment to follow through on the work he and his mother started and as his star power continues soar globally, he understands that he also has the power to be more than just a musician.
“I’m so happy to be able to use my celebrity and my voice to promote [education] in a way where it’s not just telling kids to stay in school, but giving them some inspiration and a reason to want to,” he said. – gavin philip godfrey
