Barack Obama Sends Heartfelt Letter To Nipsey Hussle’s Loved Ones Hours Before Memorial Service

Barack and Michelle Obama are sending their condolences to Nipsey Hussle‘s family and friends on the day of the late rapper’s memorial service at Los Angeles’ Staples Center. Karen Civil read a letter former President Obama sent hours before the start of the service.

The letter read, “Dear Friends and Family of Nipsey: I’d never met Nipsey Hussle, but I’d heard some of his music through my daughters, and after his passing, I had the chance to learn more about his transformation and his community work. While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope. He saw a community that, even through its flaws, taught him to always keep going.”

He continued, “His choice to invest in that community rather than ignore it — to build a skills training center and a coworking space in Crenshaw; to lift up the Eritrean-American community; to set an example for young people to follow — is a legacy worthy of celebration. I hope his memory inspires more good work in Crenshaw and communities like it.”

“Michelle and I send our sympathies to Lauren, Emani, Kross and the entire Asghedom family and to all those who loved Nipsey,” Obama concluded.

Live coverage of Nipsey Hussle’s Celebration Of Life continues.