NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 10: Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Brunch guest Quavo was seen wearing an oversized white top with black writings, a black red and white jacket with white collar, black shades and black trousers and lots of jewelry on September 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)
Quavo is taking a strong stance against gun violence. This week, the Migos rapper visited Washington, DC, to meet with the White House and openly speak on the subject at the 2023 Black Congressional Caucus.
According to the Associated Press, the artist met with several political heads, including Vice President Kamala Harris. He also met with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jefferies. Senator Cory Booker, Rep. Lucy McBath, Steven Horsford, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Robin Kelly, and Maxwell Frost, per TMZ.
After the meeting, the VP’s team shared a thank-you post.
“Thank you @quavohuncho, Edna, and Titania for using your voices to honor Takeoff’s legacy and call for action to prevent gun violence,” the post’s caption said.
Quavo, who posted alongside VP Harris in the photo, reacted in the comment section by saying, “Thanks for everything. #RocketPower.”
The hashtag references Quavo’s nephew and former Migos member, Takeoff. Last November, the 28-year-old was shot in the head and torso and killed in Houston, Texas. Though there was a reported verbal altercation, Houston police previously clarified Takeoff was simply a bystander. Hours after the shooting, heartbreaking footage of Quavo screaming and crying near his bleeding nephew circulated heavily on social media.
Quavo has released at least two tracks honoring his nephew since then. The Atlanta artist released “Without You” in January and “Greatness” in February. Now, as we approach the first anniversary of Takeoff‘s passing, his uncle is turning pain into purpose.
“Music is storytelling, and no one can tell my story better than me. For me and my family, the fight against gun violence is personal and not something we are going to forget,” Quavo told CNN via a statement. “We are coming to D.C., bringing the voices of millions of families with us that have been hurt by this kind of violence.”
As mentioned, in addition to meeting with political leaders, Quavo spoke on Wednesday’s ‘Moral Urgency to End Gun Violence’ panel. He delivered his experience alongside panelists Sen. Raphael Warnock, Rep. Lucy McBath, and Gregory Jackson Jr.
According to AP, the rapper entered the CBC venue hand-in-hand with Takeoff’s mother, Titania Davenport — also his sister. He reportedly revealed at the panel that he frequently asked himself about gun safety following Takeoff’s death.
The artist also advocated for doing “better with the control of guns” and preventing people from “going anywhere and thinking they can hurt somebody.”
“And how do you keep them out of the hands of people that make bad decisions? I’m kind of in a half-and-half place. Even police have guns. Unfortunately, some people in our culture and loved ones have been lost to police brutality. It’s all about choices and how we can put a filter on who can use these guns,” he said.
He also advocated for more resources, saying he needs a “bag of goodies” to return and feed the culture. His visit to the White House inspired his realization of a need for resources.
Last year, in honor of Takeoff, Quavo and his family launched the Rocket Foundation. Its website states it was established to “support programs which are saving lives through proven, community-based solutions to prevent gun violence.” Four organizations were to receive the first round of funding, including Community Justice Action Fund (who sponsored the panel), HOPE Hustlers, Live Free, and Offenders Alumni Association.
In June, Rolling Stone reported that Takeoff’s mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the 810 Billiards & Bowling venue where Takeoff passed away.
On Thursday morning, “Good Morning America” released an exclusive interview about his Washington D.C. efforts. He told senior congressional correspondent Rachel Scott that Takeoff would “most definitely be proud” of his gun violence work.
“It’s a tough thing knowing that we separated and knowing I’m not gon see him again on this Earth, but it’s hard…and I know he’s proud of me,” Quavo said in a seemingly emotional tone.
