Lauren London Opens Up About Raising Her Sons Without Nipsey Hussle

On a new powerful episode of  Red Table Talk, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Adrienne Banfield and Willow Smith discuss how gun violence affects women. The episode features Lauren London, longtime partner of the late rapper, activist, and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle, activist Erica Ford, and gun violence survivors Rain Stippec and Dani Robinson.

In the episode, which was pre-recorded prior to social distancing requirements, Jada gives an updated introduction discussing her thoughts on George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery & Breonna Taylor, and then sits down with Lauren London to talk about the traumas of gun violence and coping with grief and loss.

London has been the epitome of strength and perseverance since the passing of Nipsey Hussle.  On mothers day she participated in a chat with Spirtual Teacher/Holstic Health Practitioner/Best Selling Author/Mother Of Womb Wellness Queen Afua on how she cope’s day to day with Nipsey’s passing. Her conversation with Jada however is her first sit-down interview since Nipsey’s death.

The late rapper, born Ermias Asghedom, was killed on March 31, 2019, after he was shot in front of his (the Marathon Clothing Company) in South Los Angeles. He was 33 at the time of his murder.

“I love to meet people that Nip has really inspired, because it feels like he’s still here – even though he is in a way. But it’s like his purpose, that was completely outside of any of us…He’s touching people still, and I find that when I run into people that tell me how he’s changed their lives, what they’re doing with their life right now, like it fills me up. He would have loved to hear that, you know?”

“For me, what’s really been important is like connecting with God and that’s been a struggle because something horrible happens in your eyes and you’re like, ‘How God?’…It’s not easy, I don’t always wake up on the enlightened side of the bed, you know, and the days that I don’t, I let myself because I’m human… I’m gentle with myself. I find things that matter, and so I try to live with a purpose. When I’m having a bad day, I meditate. I go within.”

“What I instill in them is more about the police. How to handle yourself when you get pulled over. That’s more of my education, protecting them being Black men in America.” – Lauren London

In the episode, which was pre-recorded prior to social distancing requirements, Jada gives an updated introduction discussing her thoughts on George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery & Breonna Taylor, and then sits down with Lauren London to talk about the traumas of gun violence and coping with grief and loss.

Additionally, Jada, Willow and Gammy are joined at the Red Table by respected peacemaker and activist Erica Ford to discuss the many ways she combats gun violence, including riding around the streets of New York City in her Peace Bus.

Gun violence survivors Rain Stippec and Dani Robinson also share their harrowing stories and offer advice on moving towards a better future.