Migos’ Quavo Joined by Vice President Kamala Harris on ‘Take Off Day’

Courtesy White House/Lawrence Jackson

Quavo was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens at an event Tuesday declaring “Takeoff Day” in the city, in honor of the rapper’s nephew and Migos bandmate , who was shot and killed in 2022 during an altercation in which police said he was an “innocent bystander.”

The event, which included panel discussions on gun violence prevention and a discussion between Harris and Quavo, took place on what would have been Takeoff’s 30th anniversary. This was the first summit of the Rocket Foundation, named after the Quavo Foundation, held at the Carter Center in Atlanta.

In the months following Takeoff’s death, Quavo began discussions about gun violence, particularly among the black population, with community leaders, activists and Mayor Dickens as well as with House officials Blanche and the vice president. The two men first met and released a statement on the issue last summer.

“We just want to thank you for coming out here and being a part of such a special day for me and my family,” Quavo said. “I know there are people in this room who share the same experience as a survivor. It’s a challenge. This experience, this type of trauma – I just hope that I inspire everyone in this room. Our communities, my family, your family, no family should have to suffer from this. We just want to create these resources at the Rocket Foundation to prevent this from happening.

Mayor Dickens said, “I am honored to be here for what is hopefully the first of many Rocket Foundation Summits. In fact, I hope this summit one day becomes a movement – ​​one that has its roots in tragedy, but whose offshoots will be community-led opportunities for change. It is sad but entirely fitting that the summit is launching on what would have been Takeoff’s 30th anniversary.”

Moments later, Quavo and Takeoff’s mother, Titania Davenport, joined Atlanta’s mayor and city council members for the official declaration of “Takeoff Day.”

An emotional Davenport – affectionately known as “Mama Rocket” – was next to speak, beginning by saying she was “incredibly proud.”

She continued, “I miss my son every day and wish he was still here on this earth,” before telling the audience that her family was doing God’s work in Takeoff’s name. Earlier this year, Quavo and the foundation launched the Sparks Grant program, which supports community organizations fighting violence. The program will award $100,000 in grants to Atlanta-focused organizations.

Prior to the “Takeoff Day” commemoration, Quavo and Vice President Harris had a fireside chat in the venue’s auditorium. It was moderated by Gregory Jackson Jr., special assistant to the president and deputy for the Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

“I’m a victim – (but) I got a second chance,” Quavo said. “When I saw (Takeoff) lying there, I felt like I saw myself lying there. So when I do something like the Rocket Foundation, I just wanted to elevate his legacy and keep his name alive. This is why we are here.

Speaking to Quavo during the panel, Vice President Harris said: “Translating that pain and heartbreak into something that aims to create strength and empowerment in the community – including our youth – is enough extraordinary. You chose to use your fame and your gifts as an artist to talk about it and actually work on action. You are an incredible leader – a national leader in this area.

“It was beautiful,” Jackson told Variety after the fireside chat. “It’s beautiful to see Quavo and the whole family come together. The Rocket Foundation has invested in 11 community-level organizations, which is huge. The Vice President came and followed through on her commitment from almost a year ago when she sat down with the family and said, “I support you and I’m here to support you as much as I can.” When Quavo and his family asked her to come, she came — and acknowledged the challenges and the trauma, but more importantly the impact they have.

On Monday at the White House, Jackson also participated in a major discussion on gun violence awareness and how it affects the community. He was joined by several celebrities, athletes, music industry insiders and community activists such as Erica Ford who helped spearhead the event, Philadelphia Eagle Thomas Booker, actors rappers Bun B, Styles P and Havoc of Mobb Deep, actor Shameik Moore and Tupac Shakur’s. sister, Setiywa Shakur.