The Marathon Continues

“Gentrify your own hood before these people do it... Claim eminent domain and have your people move it... That's a small glimpse into what Nipsey was doing.”

~ Jay-Z

“Eminent domain in the United States refers to the power of a state or the federal government to take private property for public use while requiring 'just' compensation to be given to the original owner.”

~ Wikipedia

Ermias Joseph Asghedom, better known as Nipsey Hussle, was a rapper, entrepreneur, and community activist whose untimely death left an indelible mark on the world. Though he is no longer physically present, Nipsey’s impact endures, as energy never truly disappears—it transforms and continues its cycle. His life and work were a testament to resilience, self-determination, and a deep commitment to his community.

As I reflected on Nipsey’s legacy during a contemplative walk, a man who bore a striking resemblance to him crossed my path. He appeared suddenly, with Nipsey’s familiar height, braided hair, and full beard. Though just a fleeting encounter, it felt symbolic, as if the universe was reminding me of the urgency and importance of sharing Nipsey’s story.

Nipsey Hussle was a visionary who embodied the ethos of self-reliance and community upliftment. Jay-Z captured Asghedom's essence in his prose, urging individuals to take control of their neighborhoods before external forces do. Nipsey’s mission wasn’t merely about financial success; it was about transforming marginalized communities from within, a blueprint for sustainable empowerment.

To understand Nipsey’s vision, it’s important to explore the history of eminent domain and urban renewal, both of which have disproportionately harmed minority communities in America. While intended to address urban blight, these policies often became tools of systemic displacement. Beginning in the 1930s, “blight” designations justified the demolition of neighborhoods deemed undesirable, displacing millions—most of them African Americans and other minorities (blight designations are areas identified as deteriorated or underdeveloped).

From the 1940s to the 1970s, urban renewal projects displaced over a million people under the guise of progress. Terms like “Urban decay communities” were frequently used, but the underlying reality was deliberate gentrification. In many cases, communities labeled as blighted were thriving cultural hubs that were erased to make way for developments benefiting wealthier, predominantly white populations. James Baldwin famously said, “Urban renewal means Negro removal,” encapsulating the devastation wrought by these policies.

One landmark case, Berman v. Parker (1954), upheld the constitutionality of such actions. In Washington, D.C., over 5,000 residents—97.5% of whom were African American—were displaced. Only a fraction of the new housing was affordable to those evicted, leaving most in worse conditions. By the 1960s, the once-majority Black neighborhood had become predominantly white.

Nipsey Hussle’s work countered this historical pattern. He emphasized community investment, entrepreneurship, and self-education as tools to resist gentrification and systemic oppression. His example showed that rebuilding and maintaining one’s community can prevent the loss of cultural and economic roots. This philosophy demands not only financial independence but also an end to self-destructive cycles, including violence within the African American community.

“Buy black, support black, and uplift your community” was Nipsey’s message. But his vision extended beyond economics—it was about unity and collective progress. “We are our brother’s keeper” is not just an inspirational statement; it’s a call to action. When we harm one another, we harm the entire community and diminish the sacrifices of leaders like Nipsey Hussle.

The solution to this historical quagmire lies in reclaiming our neighborhoods, rejecting government-sponsored displacement, and building sustainable futures. Nipsey’s life was a powerful example of how grassroots efforts can inspire systemic change. To honor his legacy, we must commit to preserving his blueprint and ensuring that his sacrifice was not in vain.

The Marathon Continues—not just as a mantra but as a movement to transform lives and communities, one step at a time.