In the wake of the tragic loss of Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom, rival gangs from Los Angeles County marched Friday afternoon in the Crenshaw neighborhood to honor the slain rapper, Blavity reports. Together, gang members from Watts, Compton and Inglewood marched from a grocery store to Hussle’s Marathon Clothing store, where the rapper died March 31. Authorities believe the shooting took place following a personal dispute between Hussle and his alleged killer, Eric Holder.
According to TMZ, veteran gang leaders played a major role in coordinating the peace talks among the usual enemies, meeting on Thursday to negotiate peace in the streets. They shared their progress on social media:
The community march is meant to be the start of a larger effort for prolonged peace. TMZ reports there hasn’t been this kind of peace effort among gangs in Los Angeles since the truce of 1992—right before the acquittal of four LAPD officers who beat Rodney King set off riots in the city.
Memorials, vigils, murals and other dedications have been springing up around Los Angeles to pay homage to Hussle’s widespread community impact, which included a STEM program for local youth and building affordable housing units.
Plans for Hussle’s official memorial service are underway.
Correction: Sept. 22, 2019, 5:44 p.m. ET: This story has been edited to remove unattributed text and to add fuller sourcing.