Street Soldiers

The outpouring of love continues for murdered rapper Nipsey Hussle. Even former President Barack Obama sent a condolence letter. But the most moving remembrances of the hip hop artist and community activist came from those closest to him.

Thousands of people filled the Staples Center in Los Angeles to celebrate Hussle’s life and mourn their loss. His son and his mother showed their personal strength despite their heartbreaking loss.

Hussle was on the verge of major mainstream success with “Victory Lap,” which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. He was also becoming widely recognized by city officials for his leadership in his Crenshaw community in South L.A.

He built Vector 90, a shared workspace to attract science and technology entrepreneurs and give youth a wider variety of role models. Hussle also created a playground for the kids.

He opened his Marathon clothing store in the same strip mall where he first sold his mixtapes. Employing formerly incarcerated gang members, he created real economic opportunities. It was the same location where police say he was shot and killed on March 31 by a suspect named Eric Holder.

Hussle never renounced being a member of the Rolling 60’s Crip set and tried to build on that affiliation to transcend gang violence.

The audience for the memorial included Jay-Z and Beyoncé but with the tickets free on a first come, first serve basis many of the community people Nipsey cared about so much were able to attend.

LISA EVERS, Host and Executive Producer, Street Soldiers

Lisa Evers hosted the very first Street Soldiers town hall inside a high school. Hundreds of teenaged girls from several schools in Jersey City attended the town hall, which focused on confidence and mentoring. The panelists were Laura Stylez of Hot 97, Velissa Vaughn of Dsquared2, and recording artist HoodCelebrityy.

LISA EVERS, Host and Executive Producer, Street Soldiers

“Hip Hop’s Health Revolution” looks at how hip hop stars are becoming serious about their health.

A look at how the R. Kelly legal situation is being covered by the media.

Multiplatinum hip hop artist Cardi B smashed through a music industry glass ceiling to become the first solo woman to win a Grammy for best rap album. She proved once and for all that a woman could do it on her own. She got support from hip hop legends like Missy Elliott, Lil Kim and Salt N Pepa.

Cardi B also inspired emerging talent like Hood Celebrityy. Her hit “Walking Trophy” became a popular pro-female anthem. Hood Celebrityy’s new single “inside” showcases her unique style, seasoned with reggae and dancehall flavor. It also gave her a chance to show a softer, more vulnerable side.

Nowhere has the progress of women been more visible than in politics. For the first time, more than 100 women were elected to Congress, making the public face of government more closely reflect the diversity of the United States.

Women have long been the glue holding families, organizations and neighborhoods together. Now in increasing numbers, they’re taking that concern and caring for others beyond the personal to leadership roles, and empowering others.

—LISA EVERS, Host and Executive Producer, Street Soldiers