Nipsey Hussle was truly a man of the people.
On Wednesday (April 17), sources close to the Victory Lap rapper revealed he was in the process of creating a foundation for the youth in his community before he was tragically gunned down in front of his Marathon clothing store last month.
According to TMZ, Hussle’s foundation is expected to be carried out by his surviving family members. Part of its efforts will go toward rebuilding school playgrounds and increasing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs for students in Crenshaw, the site reports. The foundation will also reportedly aim to enhance the quality of public parks in the area.
Hussle’s commitment to the youth prior to his passing has been well documented. Los Angeles City Councilman, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, confirmed to TMZ that the 33-year-old previously donated shoes to scholars at 59th Street Elementary in addition to helping repave the basketball courts at the school.
In honor of his impact and legacy in the community, Harris-Dawson, a longtime friend of Hussle’s, has announced plans to move forward with the process required to rename the intersection of Crenshaw and Slauson Ave as Ermias ‘Nipsey Hussle’ Asghedom Square.
On Monday (April 15), a memorial basketball court was unveiled in Crenshaw outside of the Crete Academy as a tribute to the slain emcee.
Hattie Mitchell, founder of the non-profit charter school, spoke to CBS2 about the mural, saying, “For our kids to look at Nipsey and see to see everything he’s done, what he was able to accomplish and how much he gave back to the community is huge for them…because he looks like them.” Mitchell continued, saying, “He grew up where they grew up. He’s the epitome of everything that they want to be and aspire to be.”
Hussle’s legacy of philanthropy will reportedly be continued through his family via contributions to organizations he was already attached to during his lifetime.