Monday Motivation 26/1- Lauren Nicole London

Lauren Nicole London was born in Los Angeles on the 5th of December 1984. London's father is Jewish and her mother is African-American. Her parents divorced when she was three years old and thereafter she spent most of her time with her mother. London did however spent summers with her father who sent her to summer camps that were mainly attended by white children. Being biracial wasn't easy for London as she was 'teased' by her cousins from her mom's side for not being 'black' enough. "if someone thinks I'm not black enough that's their issue, I'm okay with who I am and it is what it is . I'm a black woman like my mother and I love who my father is, and I love both sides of me. Nobody makes a big deal about it anymore because I won't take that anymore." London said to The Oprah Magazine.

Little is known about London's educational history except that she attended Palisades Charter High School. Lauren London was definitely a baddie from the get go as she stopped going to school in grade ten and had her boyfriends names tattooed on her by sixteen. London however didn't completely quit studying as she continued to be homeschooled. At age seventeen London decided to become a actress. In 2002 London began her career with commercials and later starring in numerous music video's. She appeared in video's for rappers Tyrese, Ludachris, Jay-Z and Pharrell. in 2006 she debuted on television in the sitcom everybody hates Chris. On March 31st 2006 Lauren's first big movie was released 'ATL' where she starred as Erin. This role established her career and earner her many other opportunities as well as awards.

Around 1999-2000 Lauren London met Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. known as Lil Wayne, "I met Dwayne when I was 15 years old. I've known him a very long time and we were in a relationship that didn't make it. My son's father is a very intelligent loving and lovable person who will always be a dear friend. That is all." London told Oprah Mag. On the 9th of September 2009 Cameron Carter was born. This was the couples first and only child. Lauren and Dwayne were engaged but it did not culminate into marriage however the couple remain friends.

In 2013 Lauren London began dating Ermias Asghedom known as Nipsey Hussle. Nip was Lauren's "true love". The couple have a son together Kross Ermias Asghedom who was born on the 31st of August 2016. Their relationship lasted until Nip's passing in March 2019. In April 2019 thousands gathered at the Staples centre in Los Angeles for Hussle's memorial service where London gave a emotional speech. She opened her speech with a long text message she texted him in January 2019 where she said " you and I work, we fit and you're the coolest guy in the world to me still. I love you so much unconditionally. My truth is this, I'm never going to give up you. My love and my devotion is to you." She also payed tribute to his character and said " his soul was majestic. He was the strongest man that I ever knew.". She ended her speech of by saying "grief is the final act of love, My heart hears you. I feel you everywhere. I'm so grateful that I had you. I love you beyond this earth and until we meet again THE MARATHON CONTINUES." Kross is adjusting to life without Hussle as is London. " I have a 3-year-old that's still asking , 'where is daddy?' He doesn't understand the concept of death." London told GQ in December 2019. According to instagram Kross is part of the healing process, she wrote "I'm going to stand strong so you can always lean on me."

This week's Monday Motivation is Lauren London. She is one strong queen that's dealt with a lot during her lifetime. The love she had for Nip inspiring, the way she's raising her children is inspiring and the way she's running the marathon and keeping is name alive is inspiring.

"When is absent, then there is fear and in my opinion you should live your entire life through love"- Lauren London

Long Live Nipsey Hussle

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