I didn’t know Nipsey Hussle, and I must admit, I never heard his name before last year when I heard a story about his on my favorite radio morning show. The story was one that impressed me because it was a positive story about a young man who grew up in the hood. What made me notice him more was that in spite of his success, he chose to open his store in the neighborhood where he grew up. He was endeavoring to give back to a community that he knew was in desperate need of positive male role models. Instead of putting his money into building an empire outside of the hood, he was building it right where he lived.
I didn’t know that the next thing I would hear about him would be the story about his shooting.
I don’t know the details of what happened. All I know is that the young man’s life was taken needlessly and far too soon, which is too often the case with young black men. It doesn’t matter the circumstances. Hearing about the death of any young black man is hard for me to swallow. It is even harder when we lose one who was on the right path. Nipsey was a young man who was living daily what he believed in. He was not only living his dreams, but he was also encouraging others to believe that they could live their dreams too.
So, to all those who are left to grieve, I make this appeal. Please don’t let this young man’s life be in vain. He was proof that you can turn your life around, that it doesn’t matter where you are from or what your past may be, you can make something of your life. Thank you Nipsey Hussle. Even in death, you are influencing lives and changing them for the good. The greatest tribute you can give him is to make sure your lives count for something. He doesn’t have another chance, but you do. As long as you are here, you can learn something new, you can start again, there will always be a second chance. As long as there is a new day dawning sunny and bright, you can make things right.
To Nipsey's family, I wish you peace in the midst of this storm.