By Jasmine Frazier.

A community leader, father, husband and teacher of growth just recently passed and it took a devastating toll on an entire community. Rapper Ermias Asghedom, or better known as Nipsey Hussle, was shot and killed in front of his store, The Marathon Clothing, in Los Angeles, California on March 31, 2019. His passing not only affected his loved ones but shook up the entire world.

Not many rappers give back to where they come from like they claim to do in their songs, but Nipsey was actually one of those rappers who wanted to create a change in his own backyard. He opened up his clothing store in the parking lot that he hung out in growing up. This parking lot did not always keep him out of trouble with the law. The previous storeowners to that location used to call the police when anyone was soliciting around the store.

Most of these individuals didn’t have anywhere to go or anything to do and this parking lot was supposed to keep them out of trouble, but these minor run ins with the law did not make it easy. Nipsey’s goal was to change the entire dynamic on that block and he did. He worked from the ground up to build a brand that the community loves and respects all because of what he stood for as person.

Now some may ask, how can someone with a history of gang violence be such an influential person? His life story is what made him to be a respected man who embodies the evolution of growth. Nipsey never hid his past and used it as a way to speak his truth.

He utilized his lyrics to encourage his fans to be the best they could be. The words he spoke were meant to leave a lasting impression on the individuals that had the opportunity of hearing his message. One thing Nipsey stood for was the marathon. The marathon is within us all. Everyone is living within his or her own marathon because of what we go through. Life is not a race and you will gain success at your own pace. I hope that the legacy Nipsey has left behind inspires all of us to care more about our communities and find ways to better ourselves.

Rest in peace, Nip. The marathon continues.