Crenshaw and Slauson intersection to be named in honor of Nipsey Hussle

The intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and West Slauson Avenue will be named Ermias “Nipsey Hussle� Asghedom Square, in honor of the Grammy-nominated artist who was gunned down at his clothing store near the intersection.

Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson made the announcement Tuesday, noting that Hussle was a champion for the South L.A. historic Destination Crenshaw project.

“Ermias Asghedom, known as ‘Nipsey Hussle,’ was an icon and West Coast hero,� Harris-Dawson said in a statement. “Nipsey’s genuine nature allowed him to be a light to everyone he interacted with, from family, friends, fans and his larger community.

“As a father, brother and son, Nipsey was a rock helping to build an empire that will continue through generations. Nipsey will always be remembered for delivering a pure, authentic Los Angeles sound; his numerous philanthropic efforts; his innovative, community-focused business mindset; and his humble heart.�

A petition to get the intersection named in Hussle’s honor circulated online soon after he was killed and garnered almost 500,000 signatures, from fans across the world.

Harris-Dawson and Hussle got to know each other through their work on the Destination Crenshaw project.

The naming of the project, a 1.3-mile outdoor art and culture experience celebrating black Los Angeles, came from Hussle, according to the councilman’s office. Hussle advocated for the area, saying that “Crenshaw should be a destination.�

In January, Hussle and real estate investor David Gross bought an L-shaped shopping center off Slauson Avenue — the one that houses Master Burger and Hussle’s store, Marathon Clothing — for $2.5 million, according to property records.

Hussle invested heavily in South L.A., including through his Marathon Clothing “Smart Store,� his ownership and redevelopment plans for the property on Slauson Avenue, his investment in skating rink World on Wheels, and his co-founding of Vector90 — one of the first co-working space in South L.A. — and its STEM program for youth.

Times staff writers Angel Jennings and Sonaiya Kelley contributed to this report.

Two women hold a banner reading “Nipsey� at the Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard intersection.

(Etienne Laurent / EPA-EFE)