As fans, friends and family continue to mourn the loss of Nipsey Hussle, former President Barack Obama wrote a letter to the rapper’s family and friends.
Dated Thursday, the same day as Hussle’s funeral, Obama wrote that he learned about the rapper’s community work after his death. He heard his music from his daughters, Sasha and Malia.
Related: Watch live: Nipsey Hussle funeral
Business woman and social media personality Karen Civil was at the rapper's homegoing and read the letter. The letter can be read in full below.
“I’d never met Nipsey Hussle, but I’d heard some of his music though 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. 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 out sympathies to Lauren, Emani, Kross, and the entire Asghedom family and to all those who loved Nipsey.”
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