Ava DuVernay applauds 'respectful' coverage of late Nipsey Hussle: 'I have been motivated'

Film director Ava DuVernay is applauding the "respectful" press coverage of the late Nipsey Hussle.

DuVernay, 46, was honored during the Free Expression Awards at the Newseum in Washington Thursday, where she dedicated her award not only Hussle, but also to his commemoration by the media.

"This week, I have been motivated and deeply moved by the press coverage of this brother from South Central Los Angeles," DuVernay said. "His life has galvanized a …response that has become a real powerful moment for me and for so many people who rarely see that kind of attention given to people like him."

Related: Why losing Nipsey Hussle hurts so badly

Hussle was not just a Grammy-nominated rapper who had a history with the Rollin’ 60's Neighborhood Crips gang, and his life and legacy have been remembered as much more.

He was a community activist who worked to lift up the neighborhood that raised him. He was Ermias Asghedom – a business owner who promoted black ownership and a man who advocated for peace among rival gangs.

His life was cut short on March 31 when he was shot and killed at his boutique, The Marathon Clothing, in the strip mall where Hussle was attempting to "buy back the block" to empower his community.

Beyonce, YG, more mourn rapper Nipsey Hussle: 'Breaks my heart to see he's gone'

"I was honestly surprised by the quality of coverage of television outlets, local and national, who covered the story over a number of days with what felt like actual respect," DuVernay said. "So many journalists rising to the sad occasion with the clarity and care that I rarely recall for the … discussion of black life."

The "A Wrinkle In Time" director said the thorough reporting was not only a testament to "newsrooms with inclusive staffs," but a testament to Hussle himself.

"I will always hold him in my heart. A heart that breaks for his family tonight, that breaks for all of us who loved and admired him," she said. "His vision and voice will continue to ring in my ears like they did when we talked."

DuVernay continued: "Thank you Nipsey. May you rise in power and be a reminder to us all to live and tell our truth as fiercely and as adamantly as you did. Until we meet again."

Related: Nipsey Hussle suspect held in solitary confinement; Lauren London 'lost' without rapper

The Free Expression Awards honors individuals' "courageous acts of, and contributions to, free and fearless expression," according to the Newseum, in an effort to highlight the importance of the First Amendment and free press.

Other honorees of the night were broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff, who won the lifetime achievement award, #MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke, CBS News' Elizabeth Palmer, Debora Patta and Holly Williams, and the cast of Netflix's "Queer Eye." Katie Couric hosted the fourth annual benefit.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ava DuVernay applauds 'respectful' coverage of late Nipsey Hussle: 'I have been motivated'