Ray West, Kanye West’s dad, is a fascinating figure who has lived a life very different from his famous son. Born in 1949, Ray’s path has taken him from activism to journalism, counseling, and philanthropy. He was a member of the Black Panther Party in his younger years, worked as one of the first Black photojournalists at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and later transitioned into community-focused roles. His life may not have been in the limelight like Kanye’s, but it has been equally remarkable in its own way.
Ray West grew up in an era charged with activism. In the 1960s and 70s, he was a member of the Black Panther Party, the group that fought for racial equality and community empowerment. His involvement proves he was really dedicated to social justice. And by the time Ye was born in 1977, Ray had stepped away from the Panthers and pursued photojournalism.
Ray joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, becoming one of the first African-American photographers on staff there. This was honestly groundbreaking at a time when media was still heavily white people. His work had things like takin images of historic people like President Ronald Reagan, Maya Angelou, and even Ralph Abernathy. His photos added to the visual history of America in that era. Kanye has even recalled that his father kept a darkroom in their home, showing just how deeply committed Ray was to his craft.
Ray married Dr. Donda West, an English professor who later became chair of the English Department at Chicago State University. Together, they had Kanye Omari West in 1977. At the time, both parents were ambitious professionals building their careers. However, cracks in their marriage started to appear when Kanye was still a toddler. Donda later wrote that Ray had doubts about being a father, even telling her he wasn’t sure he could handle it. By 1980, the couple divorced, and Kanye went on to live full-time with his mother in Chicago.
Ray and Donda’s divorce in 1980 meant that Ray left the day-to-day raising of Kanye to his ex-wife. Kanye was just three years old. Donda moved to Chicago to continue her career, while Ray stayed in Atlanta. Though not present full-time, Ray did spend summers with Kanye, keeping some connection alive. Kanye has said his father did what he could financially, even though money was tight. This meant that while Ray wasn’t always there physically, he still tried to provide support in his own way.
Ray didn’t stick to one career path after journalism. He tried his hand at many jobs and projects. Kanye has mentioned his father once worked as a paparazzo, a medical illustrator, and even a Christian marriage counselor. His willingness to hustle during hard times was real in that he was at one time selling vacuum cleaners. With his aid, Kanye, in 2006, opened the Good Water Store and Café, in Maryland, an obscure small business that attempted to combine community service with entrepreneurship. This was also the period when Ray began to acquire a sharper focus on philanthropy, eventually setting up the Good Water Foundation.
Ray eventually left the U.S. to pursue charity work full-time. He moved to the Dominican Republic, where he runs the Good Water Foundation. The mission is focused on providing clean water and helping people afffected by poverty, and addiction, and exploitation. Importantly, Ray insists on funding much of this work himself rather than relying on Kanye wealth. His independent streak shows determination to serve the people without relying on celebrity connects. Life in the Dominican Republic has its challenges, from natural disasters to being unsafe, but Ray remains true to his mission.
Ray received the diagnosis of prostate cancer in the year 2018. Kanye had gone to Los Angeles along with his father during treatment to support him. The treatment went well and Ray was declared in remission of his disease. The scare of the cancer drew father and son together more than ever before. Later on, when Ray recuperated, he again returned to the Dominican Republic to engage in his humanitarian works; surely, his commitment to serving others is higher than any desire he may entertain for retirement.
Kanye’s relationship with his dad has evolved greatly over the years. In his childhood, he was mostly raised by his mother, so his bond with Ray was limited. But things changed after Donda’s death in 2007. With only one parent left, Kanye drew closer to his father. By 2018, the two were spending real time together, from recording in Wyoming to appearing side by side in the “Follow God” music video. Kanye has even said it took him 42 years to realize his father was his best friend. Today, they share a much stronger relationship based on love, respect, and mutual understanding.
Ray West lives in the Dominican Republic, where he continues his work with the Good Water Foundation. Even after his battle with cancer, he chose to return there, showing his commitment to the community he serves.
Yes, Ray was a member of the Black Panther Party in the 60s and 70s. His activism in that period set the tone for the rest of his life, as he has always worked on projects tied to social justice and helping others.
For more about Kanye’s biography, including the roles his parents played in shaping his life, check out our other articles at Support Hip Hop. We go deeper into Donda West’s influence and Ray West’s unique journey, giving fans a fuller picture of the family behind one of hip hop’s biggest names.
