Quavo Honors TakeOff’s Legacy with Summit Against Gun Violence Featuring Kamala Harris
5 min read
On Tuesday, Quavo joined forces with Vice President Kamala Harris and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to commemorate “Takeoff Day,” a day dedicated to honoring his late nephew and Migos bandmate, TakeOff, who tragically lost his life in 2022 during a shooting incident. The event marked the launch of the inaugural Rocket Foundation Summit at the Carter Center in Atlanta, coinciding with what would have been TakeOff’s 30th birthday.
Quavo’s grief over TakeOff’s untimely death has been channeled into a passionate call to action against gun violence. The Rocket Foundation Summit aimed to address this pressing issue, featuring insightful discussions with experts, advocates, and community leaders. Vice President Harris’s participation underscored the significance of the event, as she engaged in a panel discussion with Quavo, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to gun violence and support for youth programs.
Quavo sits down for a conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/E9DNdLKKSw
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) June 18, 2024
During the summit, Quavo shared the personal motivation behind his advocacy. “I’m a victim,” he stated. “I got a second chance I feel like I wouldn’t be here. I just look at myself like when I saw him laying there I felt like I saw me laying there so when I’m doing something like the Rocket Foundation I just want to uplift his legacy and to make sure to keep his name alive.”
Quavo’s journey into activism began last year when he attended the Congressional Black Caucus legislative conference. There, he connected with influential political figures, including Vice President Harris and Greg Jackson, who is now the Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. These interactions highlighted Quavo’s commitment to engaging with policymakers and driving change.
Migos rapper Quavo advocates for gun control with VP Kamala Harris following the 2022 death of his nephew Takeoff:
"I'm already, like, a year missing my nephew. … I just want to be the plug to the community and help change." pic.twitter.com/JC42Ozl0xt— The Recount (@therecount) June 18, 2024Advertisement
Reflecting on his efforts, Quavo expressed gratitude for the support he has received. “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. This is my second calling. This is very personal to me. That’s what makes my drive and motivation to go even harder.”
The Rocket Foundation, which Quavo described as a “certified movement,” launched the Sparks Grant program earlier this year. This initiative aims to support organizations working to reduce community violence, with $100,000 in grants awarded to Atlanta-based organizations. The summit itself featured panel discussions on gun violence prevention and a heartfelt conversation between Quavo and Vice President Harris.
I joined @QuavoStuntin for the first-ever Rocket Foundation Summit on Gun Violence Prevention.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) June 19, 2024
Quavo: Thank you for your courage, leadership, and for bringing us together for this critical conversation. Together, we continue our work to save lives and keep our communities safe. pic.twitter.com/VTVxur4tzK
Quavo’s advocacy work is deeply personal, driven by the trauma of losing TakeOff. In the months following his nephew’s death, he engaged with community leaders, activists, and White House officials, including Mayor Dickens and Vice President Harris. Their collaboration led to a statement on gun violence last summer, laying the groundwork for ongoing efforts to address the issue.
At the summit, Mayor Dickens expressed his hope that the event would spark a broader movement. “I’m honored to be here for what is the first of I hope to be a many of the Rocket Foundation Summits. In fact, it’s my hope that this summit eventually becomes a movement — a movement that has had its roots in tragedy, but its branches will be in community led chances for change. It is sad but fitting that the summit launches on what would have been Takeoff’s 30th birthday.”
TakeOff’s mother, Titania Davenport, also known as “Mama Rocket,” delivered an emotional speech, expressing her pride and sorrow. “I miss my son every day and wish he was still here on this earth,” she said, emphasizing her family’s commitment to continuing TakeOff’s legacy through their advocacy work.
NGL, I’m glad that I was free to watch this! Kamala Harris said so many things that I needed to hear! & Quavo is really a great leader like she said! That’s why he’s my fave, I wouldn’t have it no other way! #LONGLIVETAKE
🚀♾️ TO INFINITY & BEYOND INFINITY 🚀♾️ pic.twitter.com/ZOsdrXJO23— YourHighness😇LilBaby😌 (@DaReal_LilBaby) June 18, 2024Advertisement
In a symbolic gesture, Quavo and Vice President Harris held a fireside chat moderated by Gregory Jackson Jr., Deputy of The Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Quavo reiterated his dedication to the cause, stating, “When I saw [TakeOff] laying there, I felt like I saw me laying there. So when I’m doing something like the Rocket Foundation, I just wanted to uplift his legacy and keep his name alive.”
Vice President Harris praised Quavo’s efforts, noting, “To translate that pain and grief into something that is about creating strength and empowerment in the community — including our young — is pretty extraordinary. You have chosen to use your celebrity and the gifts you have as an artist to talk about and actually work on with action. You are an incredible leader — a national leader on this.”
The Rocket Foundation’s impact was further recognized by Gregory Jackson Jr., who highlighted the significance of the foundation’s investments in community organizations. “It’s beautiful to see Quavo and the whole family come together,” he said. “The Rocket Foundation invested in 11 organizations on the community level, which is huge.”
Quavo’s commitment to combating gun violence continues to resonate, with his advocacy efforts inspiring many to join the cause and work towards creating safer communities.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
