Barack Obama is the latest high-ranking official to pay tribute to Nipsey Hussle following his unfortunate passing. The former president-elect penned his memo in the special parliamentary letterhead he calls his own. Once he was done formatting the letter, it arrived on the desk of noted activist/media maven Karen Civil, who then posted it on Twitter before reading it aloud at the Nipsey Hussle memorial service that took place this morning (and currently).
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“While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where [Nipsey] grew up and see only gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw potential,” wrote Obama. "He saw hope. He saw a community that, even through its flaws, taught him to always keep going."
Nipsey's death has become a touchstone moment for hip-hopper's the world over, whereas the deep-rooted concerns of South LA residents are another matter to themselves. The Nation of Islam was kind enough to help Nipsey's family deal with the expenses of hosting the event. They also acted as a venerable media liaison ever since the news came to light several Sundays ago.
G-Eazy, Big Sean, James Harden, and Meek Mill are believed to be among those in attendance at the vigil. Also believed to be in the crowd is former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook, who recently dedicated his season-wide triple-double to Nipsey's memory. The Crenshaw rapper was a noted basketball fan and connoisseur.