Nipsey Hussle and Respecting the Living

The shocking murder of Nipsey Hussle, father, husband, hip hop artist, businessman, community organizer, and activist, last Sunday, sent shockwaves through most of the Black community. Those who were fans and listened to his music, were rightfully devastated, his family and close friends, I’m sure are grief stricken, and even those like myself who were not very familiar with him, were sad, due to our empathetic natures and how precious all lives are, and the fact that another young Black man is dead, shakes you to your core.

As with most individuals who die, folks, thanks to social media and general misery, can’t wait to say some of the most gross, disgusting, and maybe even untrue, things that they can against the deceased.

Racist white people labeled him a thug and a gang banger. When the truth is, he owned 18 businesses in his hometown of Crenshaw, and employed many other African Americans who had felony records, or who could not secure employment elsewhere.

Many in the LGBTQ community, and others labeled him as homophobic, questioned whether or not they should actually mourn his death due to his supposed homophobia. There is actually a Breakfast Club video where he explains how he has friends and family who are part of the LGBTQ community, and how he has no hate for the community, but let’s not let pesky facts get in the way, right?

The truth is, when the last breath left his body around 3:30pm (LA time) last Sunday, anything he said, had done, or hadn’t said or hadn’t done, is…