Blacc Sam Talks Empowering Formerly Incarcerated Individuals and Growing The Marathon Brand

Blacc Sam, brother of the late Nipsey Hussle and key figure behind The Marathon brand, sat down with radio personality Mina SayWhat at a summit focused on empowering formerly incarcerated individuals. During their candid conversation, Blacc Sam emphasized the importance of creating spaces where like-minded people can connect, share experiences, and mobilize for tangible change.

“It’s important just [to have] conversations, education, getting people that’s like-minded around communicating on issues that can be changed,” Blacc Sam shared. “Things like this bring awareness, and you see people mobilizing—that’s how resources can be made available.”

Reflecting on his personal journey, Blacc Sam highlighted the challenges many young people face when opportunities are scarce, noting the need for better access to jobs, trades, and entrepreneurial resources. “The emphasis should be on opportunities, trades, just figuring out how to make sure a young dude and woman is able to know how to make money so they don’t have to resort to illegal things,” he explained.

Blacc Sam also shed light on the ongoing evolution of The Marathon brand. The team recently opened Marathon Burger, a restaurant on Melrose Avenue, and is in the process of renovating the original Marathon clothing store into the Neighborhood Nip Foundation. This space aims to serve as a community hub, including a music studio inspired by a free program Nipsey attended in his youth.

“Our goal was always to make sure that the people that started with us are good, and then from there, figure out how to still source from the community and employ,” Blacc Sam said.

The conversation closed with Sam reflecting on his role in continuing Nipsey's legacy, describing the mission as an ongoing journey rooted in consistency, purpose, and community. “It’s a marathon. It’s not something you do for a year or two—this is a lifestyle. Get up, get to it, figure it out, and try to add value.”

As Blacc Sam continues to build on Nipsey's vision, his words stand as a reminder of the power of community-focused leadership and the lasting impact of purposeful action.