Barack Obama has paid moving tribute to the slain rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle, who was gunned down last month prompting an outpouring of grief among the black community.
At a celebration of the late rapper's life at the Staples Center in Los Angeles today, a close friend, Karen Civil, read out a letter written by the former president in which he wrote of his admiration for Hussle's community work and philanthropy.
'While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets and dispair, Nipsey saw potential,' Obama wrote. 'He saw hope. He saw a community that even through its flaws, taught him how to keep going.
'While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets and dispair, Nipsey saw potential,' Obama wrote. 'He saw hope. He saw a community that even through its flaws, taught him how to keep going'
Barack Obama has paid moving tribute to the slain rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle, who was gunned down last month prompting an outpouring of grief among the black community
'I've never met Nipsey but I've heard his music through my daughters,' Obama wrote
'He set an example for young people to follow and is a legacy worthy to follow,' he continued.
Hussle, real name Ermias Asghedom, was murdered allegedly following a dispute on March 31 while standing outside The Marathon, his South Los Angeles clothing store.
News of Hussle's death was greeted with a mixture of disbelief and sorrow, as the the rapper, 33, had earned enormous admiration and respect for reinvesting in his deprived Crenshaw community.
'His choice to invest in that community rather than ignore it — to build a skills training center and a coworking space in Crenshaw; to lift up the Eritrean-American community; to set an example for young people to follow — is a legacy worthy of celebration. I hope his memory inspires more good work in Crenshaw and communities like it,' Obama wrote.
At a celebration of the late rapper's life at the Staples Center in Los Angeles today, a close friend, Karen Civil, read out a
