Following the untimely passing of California rapper Nipsey Hussle, Los Angeles’ Crenshaw and Slauson intersection has been renamed “Nipsey Hussle Square”.
The Los Angeles City Council announced Tuesday that Crenshaw Boulevard and West Slauson Avenue is being renamed in Nipsey Hussle’s honor. The intersection is where Hussle is from and the area where he worked to stop gang violence and rebuild the community. It is also the location where the 33-year-old emcee tragically lost his life.
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Shortly after the rapper’s murder, an international petition with over 500,000 signatures from places including China, Australia, Canada, and Brazil appeared online that urged for the intersection’s name to be changed.
“Ermias Asghedom known as ‘Nipsey Hussle’ was an icon and West Coast hero,” said Los Angeles Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson. “Nipsey’s genuine nature allowed him to be a light to everyone he interacted with from family, friends, fans, and his larger community.”
“As a father, brother, and son, Nipsey was a rock helping to build an empire that will continue through generations. Nipsey will always be remembered for delivering a pure, authentic Los Angeles sound, his numerous philanthropic efforts, his innovative, community-focused business mindset, and his humble heart,” continued Harris-Dawson.
Prior to his passing, the Grammy-nominated artist did major work within the community including co-founding Vector90, the first co-working space in South Los Angeles, and contributing to the developing of Crenshaw’s first STEM program for the youth.
Hussle worked closely with Harris-Dawson for the South LA historic “Destination Crenshaw” project. He named the project that was created to preserve the history of Los Angeles’ Black population. He had hopes of rebranding Crenshaw as a go-to destination where commuters and tourists could ride the Metro LAX Line and spend money in the community he grew up in.
In addition to renaming the intersection, the Los Angeles City Council will permanently document his contributions to the city of Los Angeles and the world into the public record.
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