A Legacy Continues.

words by Tina Sampay

—When news broke that Nipsey Hussle, (born Ermias Asghedom) was shot in front of his Marathon Clothing store, the focus of South Central/South L.A residents centered solely around our hometown hero.

Following a successful rollout of his highly anticipated Victory Lap album, Nipsey Hussle and his team were seeing serious returns on over a decade of hard work and focus.
No doubt about it, Nipsey Hussle was entering the height of his career.A month prior to his death, Forbes published an article detailing that Nipsey Hussle and his business partners were now owners of the 6-store shopping plaza on Slauson and Crenshaw.

Hughes' poem ‘Harlem (A Dream Deferred), addresses the journey of Black men navigating business in a white-dominated society. Nipsey Hussle, much like Hughes’, fully understood the implications of what their racial identity meant in America and they constantly explored the Black experience through their art and writings. Although these two men represent the Black experience in completely different time periods and areas, they focus on issues found in everyday Black life in America. If you are from marginalized communities like South Central, L.A, to see those from the community who side-stepped inner city traps, is enough to spark the minds of many.  These examples of success illustrate to people that their innermost desires are possible, despite what their surroundings tell them. Nipsey Hussle's journey illustrates that no matter your background, if you have a vision and are committed to putting in the work, sky’s the limit. And people feel that--deeply. Nipsey Hussle’s story is one that transcends identity. From race, to gender, people respect those who make a way out of limited options. While many of us still struggled to grasp the reality that such an influential life was cut short, leaving behind children, family and loved ones--hundreds of people were drawn to the Crenshaw and Slauson plaza. A few days later, people lined the streets of Downtown, Watts and Crenshaw Blvd, waiting to see Nipsey Hussle’s last ride through the city in his funeral procession. Hughes' words continued to come to mind. As I witnessed the power of the people influenced by Nipsey Hussle’s words, I realized that although Nipsey Hussle’s life was cut short, his impact will live forever. Black life and Black success continues to be under attack by forces seemingly outside of our control. Nipsey and Hughes were still able to find the tools necessary as they navigated their way to success. Ultimately, these men were not forced to live with the results of not having seen their dreams fulfilled. I’m sure that’s what Nipsey Hussle would want for all of those who heard his messages. Follow your dreams. Fulfill your dreams. They are possible.” 

Rest in power Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom.