The Marathon Continues: Nipsey Hussle Basketball Court Mural Unveiled

Nipsey Hussle's legacy will live on.

The late rapper and activist has been memorialized in his hometown of Crenshaw with a mural across a 78-foot public basketball court at Crete Academy charter school, a non-profit charter school in Los Angeles' Hyde Park neighborhood.

"The Nipsey Hussle Memorial Court at @crete_academy in the Crenshaw District," Nipsey's estate captioned a photo of the mural. "At a time that is equally as painful as it is holy. Our generation is blessed, to be able to encounter the Love, Joy, and Peace of a community, that has come together in one Love, and are committed to the marathon of elevating us to a brighter united future."

The bright blue mural, created by artist Gustavo Zermeno, was put into motion by Venice Basketball League's CEO, Nick Ansom, following Nipsey's tragic death, TMZ reports.

The school’s co-founder Hattie Mitchell told CBS Los Angeles that Nipsey's mural will stand as a reminder to children of Crete Academy to dream big. "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," she explained. "He grew up where they grew up. He’s the epitome of everything that they want to be and aspire to be.

The late rapper's mural unveiling came two days after a Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to name the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue "Nipsey Hussle Square," in honor of Nip.

"Ermias Asghedom, known as 'Nipsey Hussle,' was an icon and West Coast hero," Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. "Nipsey’s genuine nature allowed him to be a light to everyone he interacted with, from family, friends, fans and his larger community."

"As a father, brother, and son, Nipsey was a rock helping to build an empire that will continue through generations," he continued. "Nipsey will always be remembered for delivering a pure, authentic Los Angeles sound; his numerous philanthropic efforts; his innovative, community-focused business mindset; and his humble heart."

In addition to the intersection's renaming, Nipsey's philanthropic efforts were made part of United States History on Wednesday (April 10). The chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, California Rep. Karen Bass, commemorated Nipsey on the House floor, saying, he "used the platform he created with his music to lift our community as he climbed," The Hill reports. She added, Nipsey "had a sole purpose of bettering the community" and he will be remembered, "as an inspiration."

The 33-year-old rapper and activist was killed on March 31 in front of his Marathon clothing store.

Photo: Getty Images


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