South LA Intersection to Be Renamed After Nipsey Hussle

The South Los Angeles intersection near where Nipsey Hussle was fatally shot will be renamed in his honor, Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson announced Tuesday.

Harris-Dawson said on Twitter he plans to submit a motion to the full city council on Friday, to rename the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and West Slauson Avenue as “Nipsey Hussle Square.”

This week, I will officially submit a motion to name the intersection of #Crenshaw and #Slauson as "Nipsey Hussle Square". #NipseyHussle

— Marqueece Harris-Dawson (@mhdcd8) April 9, 2019

The move comes after community activists and fans backed a Change.org petition urging city leaders to honor Hussle. As of Wednesday morning, the petition had nearly 500,000 signatures.

“Please call or email Councilman Harris-Dawson to let him know you support this effort,” wrote petition
creator Najee Ali. “I knew Nipsey Hussle personally. He wasn’t just a rapper. He was a community icon.”

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Harris-Dawson, who represents the South L.A. neighborhood, agreed that Hussle deserved special recognition.

“Ermias Asghedom, known as ‘Nipsey Hussle,’ was an icon and West Coast hero,” Harris-Dawson said in a statement. “Nipsey’s genuine nature allowed him to be a light to everyone he interacted with, from family, friends, fans and his larger community.”

Hussle was fatally shot outside his Marathon Clothing store near Crenshaw and Slauson.

The Grammy-nominated rapper, 33, grew up in the area and even produced a short documentary and music video for a song called “Crenshaw and Slauson (True Story).”

The hip-hop star was also well-known for giving back to the community, and for creating area jobs with his businesses.

“As a father, brother and son, Nipsey was a rock helping to build an empire that will continue through generations,”  Harris-Dawson said. “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.”