Atlanta rapper Quavo hosted a gun violence awareness summit. The summit took place at the Carter Center and put a face to the extremely real issue of gun violence across the American nation, drawing eyes from high-profile attendees such as Vice President Kamala Harris.
The purpose of the summit was clear: Confronting this pervasive problem of gun violence that is ripping apart communities across America. The presence of Vice President Kamala Harris underlined how critical the event was. She praised Quavo’s commitment to the cause and highlighted community-based violence intervention programs.
Quavo speaks on raising awareness for gun violence and endorses Kamala Harris for president at her campaign rally in Atlanta.
“One thing I learned about working with Vice President Harris is she always stand on business.” PIC.TWITTER.COM/KAMCPN78PA
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) JULY 30, 2024
Quavo shared his personal experience with gun violence, recounting the devastating effect Takeoff’s death had on him. Takeoff was another member of the rap group Migos and was shot to death in an apparent shooting incident. That really did a number on Quavo and turned into his drive toward making a difference. “Losing Takeoff was the hardest thing I ever faced,” said Quavo. “His death made me realize just how real this issue is and how much work we really need to do.”
One of the real highlights of the summit came through an announcement from the Rocket Foundation with regard to its Sparks Grant program. Led by Quavo, the program is set to grant $100,000 to Atlanta-based organizations working to reduce community violence. “We need action and can’t just talk about it,” Quavo said. “So, you see, the Sparks Grant program is about empowering those who are really on the front line of this fight.”
One of the most memorable moments came when Quavo used his platform to show approval of Kamala Harris for President, displaying admiration for her dedication to concrete change. “One thing I learned about working with Vice President Harris is she always stands on business,” Quavo mentioned in an interview. She returned his praises by labeling Quavo a “national leader” in the movement against gun violence.
The summit had keynote speakers who gave critical conversations about the state of gun violence in the United States a condition whose major topics have to do with the fact that there is a need for support systems, stricter gun control measures, and further community initiatives in the area of violence prevention. VP Harris ripped into Congress overall for laxity on such legislation, touting the awful fact that gun violence represents the number one killer of American children. “Our children are dying, and we cannot stand by and do nothing,” declared Harris.
This is big that Quavo is part of this. His personal connection gives a lens to the larger meaning for the conversation moving forward in gun violence prevention. “This is about more than just one event,” said Quavo. “It’s about starting a movement and making real change.”
