Dr. Donda West Remembered

Over the past week, much has been said about Dr. Donda West.

In late 2004, while attending the annual BESLA conference, I had the pleasure of meeting her. At the time I didn't know she was Kanye's mother, just a really nice woman who was there to make contacts and learn. Two months later, I began a working relationship with the team that continues to this day. I felt that I should write something because, not everything I remember about her has been said in traditional media.

Yes, she was a beautiful spirit. She was always genuinely happy to see people. She always had a smile and was concerned about what was going on in your life. Every time I saw or talked with her she wanted to know not only about what was going on with her son's business, but how my girlfriend was, how I was doing, if would I be able to attend their next event... It wasn't just polite talk; she really cared.

Yes, she was actively involved in Kanye's business. But, she was unlike what you would expect from a celebrity mother. Rather than getting in the way, she made a significant, positive contribution. As an English professor, she did not have a music business background, but rather than trying to fake her way through it like many people do, she asked probing, relevant questions, would seek out advice from qualified professionals and vigorously protect her son's interests.

Initially, I wondered why so many people took such a profound interest in the story. As the mother of a celebrity, I expected some, but many people who did not even know her have been personally touched by her passing. I have come to believe that it is because Kanye, who touches so many people through his music and passion, made the world know how much she meant to him. And, we all saw her passion for life and commitment to make the world a better place with the launch of the Kanye West Foundation and Loop Dreams. She became a symbol of a strong, intelligent mom to everyone.

She was not just a client, she was a friend. She will be truly missed.

I encourage anyone who wants to honor her memory to do so with a contribution to the Kanye West Foundation.