Migos rapper Quavo's attempt to turn the tragic shooting of his nephew Takeoff into a force for change convened with an anti-gun violence summit on what would have been the late rapper's 30th birthday.
Quavo held the Rocket Foundation's inaugural session at the Carter Center in Atlanta on Tuesday (June 18) — the same day as Takeoff's birthday. The musical performer was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris for a fireside chat during the one-day summit, which included panel discussions on gun violence prevention and youth programs.
For Quavo, the road has been tough since Takeoff's untimely death in 2022. But many of his family members — including his nephew's mother — often encourage him to keep promoting.
“It's very difficult every day. I'm still crying. I'm still upset. I'm still grieving,” said Quavo, who along with his family founded the Rocket Foundation in honor of Takeoff and pledged millions to invest in community violence intervention.
Last year, the Grammy-nominated rapper attended the Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference, where he met with political figures including Harris and Greg Jackson, who is now deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention after serving with Community Action for Justice Chapter.
“Just to look back and see that I got the vice president and guys like Greg Jackson and other survivors who actually fell victim to the same thing, I know I'm not alone,” Quavo continued. “This is my second call. This is very personal for me. That's what drives and motivates me to go even harder.”
Police say Takeoff was an innocent bystander who was shot outside a Houston bowling alley after an argument over a lucrative dice game. Takeoff's death was among a string of fatal shootings in recent years involving hip-hop stars such as Nipsey Hussle, Pop Smoke, PnB Rock and Young Dolph.
Quavo calls the foundation and summit a “certified movement.” Earlier this year, he and the foundation created the Sparks Grant program, which supports organizations working to minimize violence in the community.
The program will award $100,000 in grants to Atlanta-focused organizations.
“I feel like a lot of people just announce foundations and keep moving for non-profits or even financial issues,” he said. “But I'm on the ground. I'm actually working. We make things. We get results. We raise real money. We go to the actual communities where the problem was an issue.”
Quavo's discussion with Harris touched on the impact violence intervention can have on the community and the importance of youth support systems in reducing gun violence. A separate roundtable discussion connected families of victims with survivors.
“To translate that pain and sadness into something that's about creating strength and empowerment in the community — including our young people — is pretty extraordinary,” Harris said during the conversation with Quavo. “You chose to use your celebrity and your gifts as an artist to speak out and really work with action. It is excellent. You are an incredible leader. A national leader at that.”
The session featured panels focused on the gun violence crisis in the United States and how community violence intervention is a long-term solution to this issue. Another will discuss the importance of supporting youth in the fight against gun violence and promoting youth resources.
Quavo hopes the summit can lead to more partnerships between the Rocket Foundation and the White House. He's on a mission to make sure his voice is heard and honor his nephew's legacy.
“He hits hard when he hits a home run,” he said. “We try to avoid that. Just because it's next door, you don't close your door. You can open the door and help your neighborhood. It joins hands with the people and ensures that awareness is on a national billboard. This is my platform.”
