Latest news with #DeshawnJohnson
Express Tribune
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Quavo launches trauma therapy fund after Atlanta shootings leave five dead
Following a violent weekend in Atlanta that left five people dead, including two with direct ties to his community work, rapper Quavo and his non-profit, the Rocket Foundation, have launched an emergency trauma therapy fund. The initiative will provide mental health support to youth and families affected by local gun violence, including incidents involving 18-year-old Deshawn Johnson and community leader Aaron Hines. The Rocket Foundation, founded in 2022 after the tragic death of Migos member Takeoff, is directing proceeds from the Therapy Support Fund toward trauma care services and youth mentorship. According to a statement, the fund will assist local organizations such as Hope Hustlers and Offenders Alumni, which are active in frontline violence intervention efforts. Donations are currently being accepted. Johnson, a former participant in the foundation's Rocket Camp, was among multiple people shot and hospitalized. Authorities reported finding over 100 shell casings at the scene. Hines — affectionately known as 'Coach Ball' — was a youth football coach and a previous grant recipient from the foundation. His murder sparked an outpouring of grief, with hundreds gathering at a vigil to honor his legacy. A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the case. In an earlier interview with Rolling Stone, Quavo explained why the foundation's mission is deeply personal: 'This is a huge problem in our community, in our culture — gun violence. And just being a victim, of course, it's so personal to me.' He added that Rocket Camp was designed to 'get [young people's] mindset on a positive type of time,' offering programs in sports, life skills, and community building — something he says is increasingly missing in underserved neighborhoods. The Rocket Foundation is currently accepting donations to support trauma recovery, violence prevention, and youth mentorship in affected Atlanta communities.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Quavo's Rocket Foundation Launches Trauma Therapy Fund in Response to Atlanta Shootings
Quavo and the Rocket Foundation have launched an emergency trauma therapy fund in response to the 49 shootings that took place last weekend. Two of the shooting victims were directly connected to the Rocket Foundation. 18-year-old Deshawn Johnson, who attended Rocket Camp in 2024, and Offender Alumni leader 'Coach Ball' were both killed at the hands of gun violence. More from Billboard Chappell Roan Arrives at Her Next Stop With 'The Subway': Stream It Now Justin Timberlake's *NSYNC Bandmate Shows Support After Lyme Disease Reveal: 'That's Superhero Status' Listen to Ghostface Killah Channel Eric B & Rakim in New Single 'Rap Kingpin' All donations to the Therapy Support Fund will go directly toward providing therapy support and mental health resources for the youth and children of the communities affected by the tragedy. 'After the tragic weekend in Atlanta, where at least 49 people were shot, including the tragic loss of Rocket Foundations 2024 Rocket Camper Deshawn Cooper and Rocket spark grantee leader of Offenders Alumni Association, Coach Ball, Rocket Foundation is creating an emergency trauma therapy fund for the youth and families impacted,' the Rocket Foundation wrote to Instagram. The organization continued with a call-to-action: 'These resources will go directly to two of our Spark Grantees @cureviolenceoaaa and @ working directly with those impacted. Please honor the pain and loss of those impacted by spreading the world and donating! Nothing can replace those lost, but together we can help our community heal in this trying time.' Quavo initially launched the Rocket Foundation in 2022, shortly following the loss of his nephew and Migos running mate, TakeOff, who was a victim of gun violence. On the music side, Huncho teamed up with Anycia in June for her 'Put Up' single. Quavo's last solo release came in May with 'Dope Boy Phone.' Those looking to donate can visit the Rocket Foundation website. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
