Eritreans and the People of Los Angeles Honor Nipsey Hussle at Nipsey Hussle Square Inauguration

Crenshaw Boulevard & Slauson Avenue — Los Angeles

February 28, 2026

By David Yeh

Eritreans, the People of Los Angeles, and City Leaders Celebrate Nipsey Hussle and Honor the Legacy of His Father Dawit Asghedom at Nipsey Hussle Square Inauguration.

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, Saturday, February 28, 2026, the City of Los Angeles officially renamed the iconic intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue to Nipsey Hussle Square⁠, during a moving inaugural sign dedication ceremony. The event began at 10:00 a.m. at the southwest corner of the intersection, near the original Marathon Clothing store, a cornerstone of Nipsey Hussle’s entrepreneurial and community efforts.

The ceremony drew city officials, dignitaries, community leaders, activists, Eritreans, Eritrean Americans, youth participants, and the broader people of Los Angeles, all gathered to honor a man whose life and work continue to inspire generations.

The Marathon Continues: Honoring Nipsey Hussle

“The Marathon Continues” is more than a slogan — it is a philosophy, a blueprint for perseverance, community investment, and cultural pride. The dedication of Nipsey Hussle Square celebrated this ethos, paying tribute to Nipsey’s impact in South Los Angeles and highlighting the enduring legacy of his father, Dawit Asghedom, whose decades of activism and community leadership influenced generations both in Eritrea and in Los Angeles.

The plaza remains family-owned and serves as the headquarters of the Neighborhood Nip Foundation⁠, a nonprofit that continues Nipsey’s work in economic empowerment, youth mentorship, and creative opportunity. The site is being transformed into a community hub, including programs where children can learn music production, beat-making, and recording ensuring Nipsey’s legacy is carried forward by future generations.

Dawit Asghedom’s Speech: Heritage, Community, and Resilience

During the ceremony, Dawit Asghedom delivered a heartfelt address reflecting on his son’s life, heritage, and enduring impact:

“Nipsey Hussle’s life was more than the story of a musician; it was the story of a visionary, a son, a father, and a bridge between cultures. Rooted in the streets of South Los Angeles and deeply connected to his Eritrean heritage, he embodied resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of community. My lifelong activism and the lessons of Eritrea’s struggle for independence shaped Nipsey’s worldview, inspiring him to pursue not just personal success, but generational impact. Through his music, entrepreneurship, and mentorship, he created spaces that empowered youth, preserved culture, and strengthened communities, proving that true leadership comes from lifting others as you rise.”

“The dedication of Nipsey Hussle Square stands as a permanent testament to this vision — a space where heritage, culture, and community converge. It symbolizes the values he lived by: ownership of one’s work, commitment to one’s roots, and investment in the future of the next generation. Nipsey’s story reminds us that real change is never a sprint; it is a marathon, built through patience, strategy, and unwavering dedication. His life bridged neighborhoods, nations, and generations, leaving a legacy that endures not only in his music but in the lives he touched, the opportunities he created, and the traditions he honored.”

“Ermias’s message remains clear and timeless: invest in your roots, serve your community, honor your heritage, and pursue your vision with perseverance. In doing so, the marathon continues, and his legacy rooted in resilience, pride, and purpose lives on for generations to come. I’m proud of my brave son.”
THE MARATHON CONTINUES!!! VICTORY TO THE MASSES!!!

A Father’s Legacy of Activism

Long before Nipsey Hussle became a global figure, Dawit Asghedom was a committed activist. Since the 1970s, Dawit has participated actively in the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) mass organizations, contributing to Eritrea’s independence in 1991. His work involved mobilizing communities, providing education, and sustaining cultural identity, laying the foundation for intergenerational leadership.

After Eritrea’s independence, Dawit remained deeply engaged with the Eritrean diaspora in Los Angeles, mentoring youth, fostering civic involvement, and preserving cultural heritage. His activism shaped Nipsey’s worldview and inspired the values of responsibility, leadership, and service that defined the rapper’s life.

Eritrean community members attending the ceremony reflected on this legacy:
“Dawit Asghedom’s dedication shaped generations. Nipsey carried that same spirit into South Los Angeles, blending activism, culture, and entrepreneurship,” one community member said.

Another Eritrean community organizer added:
“Our fathers fought for freedom in Eritrea. Nipsey fought for his neighborhood. Today, we honor both paths and recognize the impact of intergenerational service and leadership.”

Ceremony Highlights and Key Attendees

The sign unveiling featured Nipsey’s brother, Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom, CEO of The Marathon brand, alongside city leaders including Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Councilmember Heather Hutt, and California State Assemblymember Isaac Bryan.

Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson addressed the crowd:
“Nipsey showed us that investing in your community is more than business — it’s about education, opportunity, and hope. Today, this square becomes a permanent reminder of his legacy and the values he lived every day.”

Councilmember Holly Mitchell added:
“The marathon is not merely a metaphor — it is a mandate. Every community, especially those historically marginalized, can continue the work of empowerment, ownership, and education.”

Youth participants, including Eritrean teens, shared their experiences. One young Eritrean attendee stated:
“He taught us that success doesn’t require leaving your community — you can build, mentor, and uplift right here.”

Jordan Williams, a high school senior from South L.A., said:
“This corner is a reminder that leadership, culture, and entrepreneurship can coexist. Nipsey proved that you can be both successful and committed to your roots.”

Community and Cultural Celebration

The ceremony highlighted the fusion of cultures that defined Nipsey’s life. Eritrean flags and traditional attire were displayed alongside African American community symbols, and murals depicting Nipsey Hussle, his Eritrean heritage, and community contributions lined the area. Music, speeches, and performances underscored the vibrant cultural energy of South Los Angeles, reflecting the intersection of heritage, identity, and empowerment.

The event also emphasized the ongoing work of the Neighborhood Nip Foundation, which continues Nipsey’s mission to create educational and economic opportunities for local youth. Attendees explored plans for community programs, including technology and music initiatives designed to inspire creativity and innovation.

The Intersection of Generations and Communities

Nipsey Hussle’s life bridged multiple narratives:
° African American struggles for economic empowerment
° Immigrant and diaspora contributions to local communities
° Entrepreneurial innovation and business ownership
° Eritrean cultural pride and political activism

On this historic day, Eritreans, city officials, community leaders, activists, youth, and the people of Los Angeles united to honor a man whose life connected generations, continents, and communities. The presence of Dawit Asghedom and his family reinforced the continuity of service and activism, linking Eritrea’s liberation struggle to local empowerment efforts in Los Angeles.

A Cornerstone for Future Generations

The unveiling of the Nipsey Hussle Square sign ensures that future generations in the city of Los Angeles will always remember Crenshaw and Slauson as symbols of perseverance, opportunity, and community pride. It serves as a permanent tribute to a man who transformed his neighborhood, blending music, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and activism into a lasting legacy.

One Eritrean community organizer said:
“This is not just a street sign. It is a promise — that the next generation will remember where they came from and know where they can go.”

As the crowd dispersed beneath the blue “Nipsey Hussle Square” sign, the words “The Marathon Continues” echoed through South Los Angeles — a lasting reminder that Nipsey Hussle’s vision, dedication, and inspiration endure in the hearts of the people he loved and served.

Ultimately; The inauguration of Nipsey Hussle Square is more than a ceremonial renaming — it is a living tribute to a life rooted in heritage, community, and resilience. It reflects the enduring impact of Nipsey Hussle as a visionary, entrepreneur, and mentor, and honors the intergenerational influence of Dawit Asghedom, whose activism and commitment to community helped shape his son’s values.

This historic intersection now stands as a beacon for the people of Los Angeles, Eritrean and African American communities, and future generations. It symbolizes the power of investing in one’s roots, serving one’s community, and pursuing a vision with perseverance. Through programs at the Neighborhood Nip Foundation, murals, and cultural celebrations, the square ensures that Nipsey’s legacy continues to inspire creativity, empowerment, and unity.

As the blue street sign shines over Crenshaw and Slauson, the words “The Marathon Continues” serve as both a reminder and a call to action: to honor the past, uplift the present, and build a future where community, culture, and opportunity thrive. Nipsey Hussle’s story is no longer just a memory; it is a movement — one that will endure in Los Angeles and beyond for generations to come.