Quavo Hosts Summit Against Gun Violence Featuring VP Kamala Harris On Late Rapper Takeoff’s Birthday

Los Angeles — Migos musician Quavo’s mission to turn his nephew Takeoff’s horrific shooting into a force for change will culminate in a summit against gun violence on the late artist’s 30th birthday.

On Tuesday, Quavo will host the inaugural Rocket Foundation Summit at the Carter Centre in Atlanta, which coincides with Takeoff’s birthday. During the one-day summit, Vice President Kamala Harris will join the music performer for a fireside talk, which will also include panel discussions on gun violence prevention and youth programs.

Quavo | AP News Image

Quavo Hosts Summit Against Gun Violence Featuring VP Kamala Harris On Late Rapper Takeoff’s Birthday

Since Takeoff’s unfortunate demise in 2022, Quavo has faced numerous challenges. However, several of his family members, especially his nephew’s mother, frequently encourage him to keep going.

“It’s quite challenging every day. I am still crying. I am still grieving. I’m still in grief,” said Quavo, who, along with his family, established 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 such as Harris and Greg Jackson, now the deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention following his time at the Community Justice Action Fund.

“Just to look behind me and see that I got the VP and guys like Greg Jackson and other survivors that actually fell victim to the same thing, I know that I’m not alone,” Quavo said. “This is my second call. This is really personal for me. That’s what drives and motivates me to work even harder.”

Police claim Takeoff was an innocent bystander who was shot outside a Houston bowling facility during a dispute over a lucrative dice game. Takeoff’s killing was one of several fatal shootings in recent years involving hip-hop musicians like Nipsey Hussle, Pop Smoke, PnB Rock, and Young Dolph.

Quavo | AP news Image

Quavo Hosts Summit Against Gun Violence Featuring VP Kamala Harris On Late Rapper Takeoff’s Birthday

Quavo describes the foundation and summit as a “certified movement.” Earlier this year, he and the foundation established the Sparks Grant program, which helps organizations fight to reduce communal violence.

The program will provide $100,000 in awards to Atlanta-based organizations.

“I feel like a lot of people just announce foundations and keep it moving for nonprofit purposes or even financial issues,” he stated. “But I am on the ground. I am truly working. We are getting things done. We are getting results. We are raising actual money. We’re going down to the genuine communities where the problem has existed.”

Quavo’s conversation with Harris will focus on the influence of community violence intervention and the significance of youth support systems in reducing gun violence. A separate roundtable session will bring together families of victims and survivors, who are expected to share their stories.

The summit will include panels on the gun violence crisis in the United States and how community violence intervention can be a long-term solution to the problem. Another will talk about how important it is to support adolescents in the battle against gun violence, as well as how to make youth services visible.

Quavo | AP News Image

Quavo Hosts Summit Against Gun Violence Featuring VP Kamala Harris On Late Rapper Takeoff’s Birthday

Quavo expects the event to increase collaboration between the Rocket Foundation and the White House. He’s trying to make his voice heard and honor his nephew’s legacy.

“It hits hard when it hits home,” he explained. “We’re trying to avoid that. You do not close your door because it is adjacent to another’s. You may open the door and aid your community. It is collaborating with the rest of the world to ensure this awareness is prominently shown on national billboards. “That is my platform.”

SOURCE – (AP)