Fans of Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, can attend a candlelight vigil for the slain rapper on Thursday in Malcolm X Park.
The vigil follows Hussle’s death on Sunday after he was shot outside of his store The Marathon Clothing in Los Angeles.
“When we first got word of Nipsey’s passing, it was really tough,” says Messai Belayneh, one of the organizers of the vigil. “You quickly realize how much more he was than just an artist and how impactful he was across different communities.”
The event will start with a blessing and a moment of silence, followed by guest speakers who will tie his passing to some of the larger issues being faced in communities today. An open mic will allow attendees to share their stories of how Hussle has impacted their lives, and his music will be played. The event will end with a moment of silence.
“I think with people like Nipsey, we have to raise awareness around their lifestyle,” Belayneh says. “One of the best ways to motivate people is to publicly award and congratulate those that are already doing what you want them to do to encourage the community to start doing right.”
In addition to his recording career, which included five albums, Hussle was known for his philanthropy, specifically with programs that curbed gang violence by getting kids into community service and STEM-related programs.
One of these projects is the “Too Big to Fail” initiative he started last year with Vector 90, a STEM center and co-working space for youth in Los Angeles’ southside Crenshaw district. The initiative seeks to help inner city youth “feed off of each other’s talent, creativity and support.” In a 2018 interview, Hussle said he hoped to expand the program to other cities across the country, including the District.
D.C.’s candlelight vigil is being put together by several local organizations, including the Eritrean Diaspora Network and the Habesha Networks, which are dedicated to mobilizing Eritrean and Ethiopian diaspora communities, respectively. The 33-year-old rapper was of Eritrean descent, and was proud of his heritage, Belayneh says. The artist participated in D.C.’s annual Eritrean festival last year.
“Deeply saddened with the tragic loss of an Eritrean American artist Nipsey Hussle, who was an inspiration & hope for many,” the Eritrean Embassy tweeted. “I remember his inspiring speech for hundreds of young Eritreans at the annual festival in Washington D.C. last year. Heartfelt condolences to the family.”
The Los Angeles Police Department identified the suspect of Sunday’s shooting as Eric Holder, 29. In a statement released Monday, police said that Holder approached three men, including Hussle, in front of the clothing store around 3:20 p.m. and shot the group several times. He then fled the scene with an unknown driver in a white 2016 Chevy Cruze. Holder was arrested on Tuesday and remains in police custody. Police said they believe the shooting to be the result of a personal dispute between Hussle and Holder.
Hussle died from gunshot wounds to the head and torso 35 minutes later, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner-Coroner announced in a press release on Monday.
Celebrities and communities across the country have mourned the rapper, staging events to celebrate his legacy.
A vigil in Los Angeles on Monday evening ended in a stampede after rumors of shots being fired in the crowd. The Los Angeles Police Department later said that reports of a shooting were inaccurate.
The Los Angeles Fire Department reported on Monday that they transported 19 patients, including two in critical condition. At least one person was stabbed, with most people suffering from injuries as the crowd rushed out.
Belayneh says it’s important to honor Hussle’s legacy through everyday actions. “He was living his lifestyle … spreading love and reaching back to communities,” Belayneh says. “Most importantly, he wanted people to understand that as minorities, our potential is limitless.”
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