“The highest human act is to inspire.” This was the caption for The Neighborhood Nip Foundation’s turkey day giveaway post.

That message — simple, direct, and at the center of the late Nipsey Hussle’s work — felt alive on Nov. 25 when the foundation, along with the Think Watts Foundation, teamed up for a massive Thanksgiving give back on Crenshaw and Slauson. The joint effort handed out more than 5,000 turkeys from the site of Nipsey Hussle Square, the original location of the Marathon store.

The drive was led by Nipsey’s brother, Samiel Asghedom (Blacc Sam), and drew community leaders, longtime friends, and supporters — including actress and mother to Hussle’s son Kross, London Lauren. She made it a point to be on-site to support families lining up for staples and Thanksgiving needs. This annual turkey giveaway was the first activation at the future Neighborhood Nip Foundation Headquarters.

Volunteers and partners wore commemorative Nipsey x Think Watts shirts to show support as well as remind folks that the Marathon ethos of reinvestment and uplift is ever-present. 

“This is where my brother first sold his mixtape,” Asghedom said while discussing plans for the lot’s future. “We turned this whole lot into the Neighborhood Nip Foundation. So, it’s real important to be able to activate from here.” He added the team is already thinking beyond the holiday: “We're actually trying to plan for next year.” Acts of service are the connective tissue that keep Nipsey’s lessons about community and economic empowerment alive. 

London posted about the event and in her caption said, “We keep your name alive with acts of service 🙏🏽💙.” Her commitment to Nip’s focus on legacy-building is admirable. May his legacy continue to live on through his loved ones’ commitment to his impact.