South L.A. Councilman Files Motion to Rename Intersection In Honor of Nipsey Hussle

More than a week after Nipsey Hussle was shot and killed outside his South Los Angeles clothing store, plans are in place to have the intersection where the incident occurred renamed in his honor.

The Grammy-nominated rapper was shot multiple times by suspected gunman Eric Holder on March 31 outside of Marathon Clothing. In the weeks since, family, friends and fans have mourned the loss of Nipsey, who had years of work as a community activist and a philanthropist.

One of the ways South L.A. wants to remember him is by renaming the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue “Ermias ‘Nipsey Hussle’ Asghedom Square,” the office of South L.A. Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson announced Tuesday.

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

Askley K. Thomas from the 8th District councilman’s office told the news station on April 9 that the next step in getting that area named after Nipsey will come on Friday. That day, Harris-Dawson will officially file a proposal for the renaming. Afterward, Thomas explained that the motion will be put before the city’s transportation committee. Then it will potentially have a final vote before the L.A. City Council.

The proposal comes after a petition began making the rounds shortly after Nipsey’s alleged homicide. The Change.org appeal was launched a week ago and has earned more than 487,000 signatures to date.

Harris-Dawson also has a personal relationship with Nipsey. The Los Angeles Sentinel reported the two worked together on Destination Crenshaw project, described on its official Instagram page as “a public art and culture experience celebrating Black L.A.” It’s set to launch in 2020.

The paper further reported that Nipsey “passionately articulated” that Crenshaw Boulevard — where he grew up — “should be a destination.” The rapper also indicated that anyone riding the Metro LAX Line, which is set to open next year, should stop at Crenshaw and support the local community by spending their dollars there.