Latest news with #RocketFoundation
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
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Quavo Delivers Posthumous TakeOff Collaboration ‘Dope Boy Phone': Stream It Now
Quavo is always going to do what he can to keep TakeOff's legacy alive. Huncho joined forces with his late nephew on Friday (May 2) for the posthumous collaboration 'Dope Boy Phone.' The Migos frontman announced the single earlier this week with a clip showcasing how he shot the 2000s-coded cover art filled with Nokia and Samsung flip phones in a vacuum-sealed package. More from Billboard Lorde Lands First ARIA Top 10 Since 2017 With 'What Was That' Maroon 5 Teams Up With BLACKPINK's LISA for New Single 'PRICELESS' Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco Share the Love on 'I Said I Love You First' Deluxe Edition: Stream It Now 'Dope boy clone, looking for a dope boy loan/ Looking in a dope boy zone, f—ed around and found a dope boy phone,' TakeOff raps over the trap production. TakeOff was shot and killed during a Halloween party in downtown Houston on Nov. 1, 2022. He was just 28 years old. The Harris County coroner's office confirmed at the time that TakeOff's primary cause of death was 'penetrating gunshot wounds of head and torso into arm.' Just a few weeks before TakeOff's tragic shooting, Quavo and Take formed the Unc & Phew duo and released their first collaborative project, Only Built for Infinity Links, in October 2022. The project reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200. Quavo is continuing to preserve TakeOff's memory with his non-profit Rocket Foundation. The Rocket Foundation announced on Thursday (May 1) that former White House official Gregory Jackson Jr. will be taking over as president of the foundation, according to Variety. Jackson Jr. is the former deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which was dismantled by the Trump administration. 'I am thrilled to have Greg lead the charge for Rocket,' Quavo said in a statement. 'He is a longstanding partner of the organization and our persistent work to end gun violence. I know my foundation and Takeoff's legacy are in good hands with him.' Quavo appears to be working toward another solo LP as he previously released singles like the Lil Baby-assisted 'Legends' and 'Trappa Rappa' earlier in 2025. Stream 'Dope Boy Phone' below. 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
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Quavo's Rocket Foundation Hosts Brunch for Mothers Who Have Lost Children to Gun Violence
Quavo's the Rocket Foundation hosted a Mother's Day brunch on Sunday (May 4) for moms who have lost children to gun violence. The Migos frontman was in attendance alongside his mother, as well as the late TakeOff's mom and grandmother; TakeOff was killed in a shooting in Houston on Nov. 1, 2022. More from Billboard Quavo launched the Rocket Foundation following the death of his nephew, with a goal of reducing gun violence across the country. Draped in white and pastel colors, attendees enjoyed a day of healing as flowers by Fenty Beauty and photos of the lives lost lined the building in Atlanta. 'It's three times a year that's really hard. This is one of the major ones. TakeOff made me a mama,' TakeOff's mother, Titiana Davenport, told The Atlanta Voice. 'I pray that mothers will have a place, like a refuge, where they can get finances to help them grow. They may need spiritual help. They may need mental help. Because it's all hard, and it's all combined into one. So I pray that this day will allow them to feel that they can continue to go on and grow.' There was also a panel with representatives from various anti-violence groups discussing what can be done in the community to enact the changes they want to see. It's the fourth initiative of its kind hosted by the Rocket Foundation in Atlanta, which has plans for another meeting with members of congress this summer. Earlier this month, the Rocket Foundation named Gregory Jackson Jr. as the president of the organization. Jackson Jr. previously served as the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which was dismantled by the Trump Administration. 'What they're going through, while it's painful, there's a whole community here that has their back and has been through similar trials, and we're just stronger together than we are apart,' Jackson Jr. told those in attendance. 'Maybe just every once in a while, there's a sad night, they'll remember that there are so many other people there to support them, even if they aren't physically there with them. And frankly, we want to inspire them to continue to be courageous in speaking out on this issue, pushing for change, because that's how we fix this.' On the music side, Quavo released a posthumous collaboration with TakeOff 'Dope By Phone,' which hit streaming services on May 2. Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Quavo Names Gregory Jackson Jr. President of His Rocket Foundation for the Prevention of Gun Violence (EXCLUSIVE)
Quavo has named Gregory Jackson Jr., former Deputy Director for the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, as president of his Rocket Foundation, which is dedicated to preventing gun violence by supporting community-based solutions. This news comes on the heels of the Trump administration's dismantling of that White House department, where Jackson previously served alongside former Vice President Kamala Harris. More from Variety Action Thriller 'Takeover,' Starring Quavo and Billy Zane, Picked Up by 13 Films (EXCLUSIVE) Quavo's 'Huncho Farms' Event Provides Food to 500 Atlanta Families Quavo Explains Turning 'Tragedy Into Triumph' With Gun Violence Reform and Working With the White House In his new role, Jackson will oversee day-to-day operations of the foundation, advise on real-time policy and reform, expand active partnerships and the current network. Additionally, he will manage the annual programming and events of the foundation alongside its founder, Quavo, including the SPARK Grants Program and the Rocket Foundation Summit, which debuted in Atlanta last year on Takeoff's 30th birthday honoring his legacy. Takeoff, Quavo's nephew and bandmate in Migos, was murdered in 2022 in an incident in which he was an 'innocent bystander,' according to local police. Jackson presented Rocket Foundation founder Quavo with the Humanitarian Award at Variety's Hitmakers event last December (pictured above). A gun violence survivor himself, Jackson is a leading voice on gun violence prevention for Black and Brown communities. Prior to the White House, he was Executive Director of the Community Justice Action Fund, which advances policies to address gun violence in these communities. There he led efforts that secured over $12 billion in public funding for gun violence prevention and led to passage of the first gun violence law in 30 years, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. As Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee National Field Director, Jackson ran the largest midterm election voter registration program in U.S. history. 'No family should suffer tragedy or trauma from gun violence like the family of Takeoff endured, but sadly over 40,000 do each year,' said Jackson. 'The courage of Quavo, Titania, Edna and the entire family has been a true inspiration to me. It's an honor to lead this foundation's efforts to make our communities safer and honor the legacy of Takeoff.' 'I am thrilled to have Greg lead the charge for Rocket,' said Quavo. 'He is a longstanding partner of the organization and our persistent work to end gun violence. I know my foundation and Takeoff's legacy are in good hands with him.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Netflix in May 2025 What's Coming to Disney+ in May 2025
