The Legacy of Ermias Asghedom

Ermias Asghedom

Also known as Nipsey Hussel. He was great spirit with foresight and vision. He had a premonition to look ahead of today and point a generation of listeners to a different tomorrow. I found this article about the man behind the scope of entertainment on NBC news. It mentioned his dream of expanding clothing and technology to new beginnings for our culture.

Changing the way we see health and healing and opening our eyes to bigger ideas for our communities. I wanted to know more about the path he was taking. Following him on social media, I wouldn't have known how impressive his mindset was.

Starting from the streets of Crenshaw, California, he grew into the spotlight through hip hop. His determination lead him from independent artist to becoming an entrepreneur and activist. His music earned him nominations and accreditations throughout the music industry.

Yet his love for community helped him and his partners open The Marathon Clothing Store and study centers for local students.

Being a fan of his lifestyle, I respect his vision for forward movement. His knowledge on the need for continual growth in our mindsets proves to be true today. I took to Wikipedia to dig deeper and learn even more about the man behind the music. From various friends and family members posts on social media, they spoke about the man. The man who decided the truth about our health and medicine was important enough to film a documentary about along with Dr. Sebi, a well-known holistic doctor who was fighting for change in how we eat and live. He was in the process of finishing that film when the unthinkable happened. A film that would explain the way to bring our own medicines from the kitchens of our forefathers to our homes today. I was surprised to find out he had success in getting this knowledge out to the world. Another forward thinker has decided to continue on with the project. Hopefully, we'll be seeing it soon in theaters.

His friends and family have posted knowledge of the books he read to the quotes about love and community. Many of his friends are still inspiring millions with posts, paying homage to his powerful voice. Listening to his music has let me hear where he's been and how he was trying to show us the way to achieving. Someone stopped him from physically finishing his movement. It is now time for us to carry his vision on. Many mourners have taken on his vision as if it was their own. During this time of change, his mother has been a beacon of light for us all, telling stories that remind me to believe in what I can become.

Here's a quote from Nipsey, "The best thing you can do for a person is to inspire them. That's the best currency you can offer: inspiration. So, when a person can rely on you for that, that empowers them in every realm of their life."

I see today's realities as things that can and will be changed. From climate change to building up one another. We, as humans, are learning from the marks we each are leaving on this world. Our creatively, our hard work, and our thirst for knowledge is how we continue to pay our lives forward. Just like Nispey, I plan to be the light for someone else.

August 15 marks his birthday and hopes of a Nipsey's Hussle day is on the minds of many. A shopping center in his honor has been rumored to be in the making. On September 15, Puma and Marathon Clothing will collaborate on a collaborative capsule. I pray all these things come into fruition.

I am now enlightened by the stories of his life, his work, and his dreams. Still saddened by the length of his journey, I pray his walk isn't forgotten.

C L Cunningham

Photo credit Kyre and Carlos Cunningham