Street gangs in Los Angeles who were usually at odds with one another were united earlier today to honor the legacy of Nipsey Hussle. According to reports, several gangs from various subsets of the city including Watts, Compton, and Inglewood descended in the Crenshaw district, not far from where Nipsey was shot and killed. Hundreds of purported gang-affiliated men and women participated in a "Unity Walk" where they also discussed a cease-fire agreement.
The large group began their walk at a nearby market and ended in front of Nipsey's Marathon store where he was killed. Nipsey, a member of the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips, often encouraged others to avoid the gang life. Los Angeles promoter Marquis Diamond shared a photo on Instagram of the event and captioned it by writing, "This SPEAKS VOLUMES!!! @NipseyHussle Look what you started 60’s,HOOVAS, ETG’s, FTG, VNG, BOUNTY HUNTERS, MONA PARKS, BRIMS, PIRUS, BLOODS, CRIPS, GANGSTAS, NH’s, DEUCES. Just some of these hoods in the same building is POWERFUL! Trying to use Their BLACK POWER TO BRING UNITY TO THE CITY! I pray that we can stay on this positive path."
Community leader Big U explained the purpose and intention behind the "Unity Walk." "We're having a gang truce and a gang rally so all the different gangs from L.A can get together and come celebrate the life and the gift of Nipsey...It’s a lot of people who were calling who said they wanted to get together and come over to the vigil and pay respects.“
“Nipsey was the first real LA. artist that was from L.A...not like Tupac who was from somewhere else and then L.A., and Biggie...Nipsey was the first like real L.A. artist to die the way he died. He didn’t have no conflict with nobody, he wasn’t beefing with nobody.”
Meanwhile, Nipsey's suspected shooter, Eric Holder, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and attempted murder. He is currently in jail awaiting trial and faces life in prison.