This Priest Knew Ermias Asghedom Before Becoming Nipsey Hussle

They met in Los Angeles before Eritrean immigrant Thomas Uwal became a priest, and before another immigrant’s son, named Ermias Asghedom, became known to the world as Nipsey Hussle. They chose different paths, but they held in common a dedication to the betterment of their communities, and especially the future of their youth. Recognizing the long term commitment it required, Nipsey called it “The Marathon.” At the Medhani-Alem Eritrean Orthodox Church of Los Angeles, where he now is a clergy member, Father Uwal led a service commemorating Nipsey’s life and its special significance for the Eritrean-American community. That service took place a week to the day following the shooting attack that mortally wounded Nipsey. Another four days later, Father Uwal was called on to deliver the Scripture sermon at Staples Center for the grand celebration of Hussle’s life that was attended in person by some 15,000 people, and joined by far more watching the live television broadcasts. In between the two services, Father Uwal and Senior Priest, Father Techlehaimanot Kiflezgi, welcomed NBC4’s Patrick Healy into their faiths Church on Western Avenue for a discussion of Hussle’s legacy, and the lessons they see in it.