“My mom spent her life as an educator and I am happy that Donda’s House can pick up her torch and honor her life’s mission,” West said in statement. Donda’s House is named after Dona West, Kanye’s late mother.
Donda’s House co-founder and Assistant Director Che Smith, also known as Rhymefest, will assist his wife Donnie Smith in running the program. Donnie Smith, a high school English Teacher, will reportedly “steer the organization,” while Rhymefest will work with students on the musical aspect of the course.
“I am so happy to launch ‘Got Bars’ to honor Kanye West’s mother’s memory and to fulfill one of my Aldermanic campaign goals,” said Rhymefest. “‘Got Bars’ will change our youth musically, get them healthy and keep them busy in a creative, peaceful environment. I know it will be an even stronger program because of our partnership with the ARK of St. Sabina.”