It’s been over a week now since rapper Nipsey Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, was fatally shot in South Los Angeles. The world is mourning a man who was truly beloved in the music industry and in communities all over the world.
As we continue to celebrate National Poetry Month, it seems fitting that some of Nipsey Hussle’s childhood poetry surfaced on Twitter just days ago. A former classmate said that he enrolled at The Open School with Nipsey when they were just 7 or 8 years old. The school was one of the first charter schools in Los Angeles where reading, writing, and critical thought were highly encouraged.
He described Nipsey as being a nice and smart kid. “So happy for what this cool kid I was friends had done with his life, so amazing. But also so so sad. For him and his family and the community. And regret that I wasn’t able to stay in touch as our lives diverged. I’m very proud of him and what he accomplished, as I think we all are.”
Nipsey was gunned down last Sunday outside his Marathon Clothing store in the Hyde Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles. Eric Holder has been charged with his murder and faces up to life in prison if convicted.