KENWOOD — A block of South Blackstone Avenue in front of Kenwood Academy will be renamed in honor of a famous high school dropout, Chaka Khan.
Khan, who went on to pursue a storied career in music, will be honored with the dedication of the 5000 block of South Blackstone Avenue on July 27 in a ceremony that is expected to include Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Ald. Will Burns (4th) and other officials.
“Chicago is where it all began for me,” Khan said in a written statement.
Khan started at Kenwood High School under her birth name, Yvette Marie Stevens. She left Chaka Adunne Aduffe Hodarhi Karifi, a name she was given by an African shaman, and started singing with The Babysitters, Lock and Chain and Lyfe around Chicago.
“I owe this city so much, and I’m deeply honored by this tribute,” Khan said. “Chicago will always be a part of me, and with this street naming, I now will always be a part of it.”
Khan has had a 40-year career in music and has won 10 Grammy Awards.
She will be honored Downtown in a ceremony at Millennium Park on July 28.
