Today will be a day of mourning as the world gathers to pay respects to a true leader and hometown hero, Ermias Joseph Asghedom. Having suffered my own tragic, violent loss, I’ve learned to find the life that is inevitably ushered forth from it, for that is the world’s Divine balance.

A good man was murdered in front of his own store, a safe haven he built to transition those within his community who society had disposed of. But his legacy, like the marathon, continues.

Nipsey Hussle was fruitful and successful in many areas less known to the masses. Leading by example, Nip showed us that nothing was out of our grasp so long as we worked toward and for our goals. He rose above his circumstances and bought back his block giving second chances to the forgotten and educating his community on self-sustainment, investments, and entrepreneurship.

Many were shocked and amazed as they learned about his philanthropic endeavors; what that tells us is he didn’t do anything for recognition. He gave from his heart.

I was personally devasted when Nip’s friend confirmed that he had succumbed, but Nipsey’s hustle has inspired me to push even harder in my own endeavors, my advancement, my expression. A coward took his life not knowing Nipsey was a seed.

His teachings and efforts will live forever multiplying and spreading like wildfire, the very definition of prolific.