Nipsey Hussle: RIP

True Leader “Of the People, For the People and By the People.”

Black History Month in the U.S. is seen by some as a time of remembrance and celebration of great leaders who empowered a people and a nation. Still, generation after generation, American black men and women continue to shed tears. Why? The bloody ink that signed their bondage into slavery remains wet and ripe for discrimination, prosecution, and death.

“Once in a blue moon”, a man rises from the pages to write his own story. Ermias Joseph Asghedom, aka Nipsey Hussle, was such a man. Many of us came to know Nipsey through his music and inspiring words. From the over 20,000 people in attendance at his memorial at the Los Angeles STAPLES Center, there’s no question Nipsey made an impact on the people of Los Angeles, across the nation and the world.

Today, family, friends and fans celebrated the life of Nipsey Hussle, whose name may forever remain synonymous with marathon winners and victory. Through his music, entrepreneurial spirit, and his philanthropy, he will continue to be an inspiration.

Martin L. King, Jr. spoke eloquently of “the mountaintop” and ‘the promised land.” I’d like to think Nipsey Hussle has now climbed King’s mountaintop and is in “the promised land.”