BET is continuing the marathon.
On Thursday (June 13), the network announced Nipsey Hussle will be posthumously honored with the Humanitarian Award at this year’s BET Awards. The Los Angeles native was well known for his philanthropic efforts and activism in his neighborhood before his untimely death in March.
“As a prolific artist and leader, Nipsey Hussle was zealous about driving change for the betterment of his community, empowering and employing those in need and being an influential and highly respected leader,” BET’s Executive Vice-President and Head of Programming, Connie Orlando, said in a statement.
“We will continue to remember his advocacy and be inspired by the groundwork he set forth and his dire commitment to social change,” Orlando added. The Executive Vice-President also declared that BET is “invested in doing our part to ensure that the marathon will indeed continue.”
Hussle was recently honored with his own day in Harlem, New York when officials declared June 1st as “Nipsey Hussle Appreciation Day.” The news came two months came after the City of Los Angeles paid tribute to the 33-year-old with a memorial basketball court at the Crete Academy in Hyde Park.
Los Angeles Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson has also introduced legislation to rename Crenshaw and Slauson after the beloved artist. “Proud to honor #nipseyhussle by dedicating #crenshaw and #slauson as “Nipsey Hussle Square,” he stated in April.
Since his passing, the support for Hussle has been insurmountable. In May, it was reported that his Marathon Clothing store made $10 million in sales. Additionally, the profits from recent purchases will reportedly go to the investment fund created by Hussle and his business partner David Gross called “Our Opportunity.” Just one of the many ways Hussle continues to give back, even in death.