Greg Jackson, Deputy Director Of First-Ever White House Office Of Gun Violence Prevention, Presents Award To Recognize Quavo & Rocket Foundation’s Unprecedented Work To End Gun Violence
DECEMBER 8, 2024 – LOS ANGELES, CA — Yesterday, Quavo was honored as ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ at the eighth annual Variety Hitmakers brunch, an annual celebration spotlighting the music industry’s most influential individuals and changemakers. Held at Hollywood’s nya studios, the event recognized Quavo among the top hitmakers and disruptors in the music industry this year including Charli xcx, Lana Del Rey, and Olivia Rodrigo.
At the brunch, Quavo was presented the Humanitarian of the Year award by Greg Jackson, the Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, who has worked hand in hand with Quavo on this critical advocacy work since 2022. Quavo’s receipt of the Variety Humanitarian Award highlights a year of remarkable achievements in music and advocacy. Following the tragic loss of his nephew and fellow Migos member, Takeoff, in 2022, Quavo launched The Rocket Foundation to honor his memory, drive impactful change, and he has worked with the White House to combat the gun violence crisis. In the two years since its launch, the foundation has grown into a movement to combat the deadly crisis in the United States. On a local level, Quavo aided the Atlanta community with the announcement this past March of a Sparks Grants program to award $10,000 to 10 organizations. Over the summer, he partnered with the Offender Alumni Association to host a music education workshop for at-risk youth as part of a 10-week Rocket camp.
Quavo has also grown his mission to enact change on a federal level. In September 2023, he met with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House during the Congressional Black Caucus legislative conference. Shortly after, the White House announced the formation of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. This past June, Harris joined Quavo to discuss gun violence at the first-ever Rocket Foundation Summit on Gun Violence Prevention in Atlanta. The following month, Quavo took the podium at one of Harris’ rallies to champion her in the presidential race and commended her for helping to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, one of the most significant laws passed in the fight against gun violence in history. His efforts reflect meaningful action, using his platform to drive awareness and inspire change.
About The Rocket Foundation:
Founded by Quavo, in November of 2022, to honor the life and legacy of Takeoff, The Rocket Foundation has been established to support programs that are saving lives through proven, community-based solutions to prevent gun violence. Since its inception, the organization has partnered with four nonprofits working on community-led solutions to end gun-related violence: Offender Alumni Association, H.O.P.E. Hustlers, Community Justice Action Fund and LIVE FREE.
About Quavo:
Quavious Keyate Marshall, known as Quavo, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, athlete, and entrepreneur. Renowned as a key member of the iconic rap group Migos from Atlanta, he has made a significant impact on the music industry, achieving #1 hits on the Billboard charts and breaking records previously held by The Beatles. Quavo has collaborated with top artists like Post Malone, Madonna, Justin Bieber, and Travis Scott, and has appeared in shows such as “Atlanta,” “Ballers,” and “Black-ish,” along with films like “Savage Salvation” and “Praise This.”
Committed to philanthropy, Quavo founded The Rocket Foundation in 2022 to combat gun violence in America and uplift communities. He also hosts events like the Huncho Day celebrity charity football game and the Ultimate Back 2 School event in Atlanta. Quavo has established a successful solo career, showcasing his versatility through collaborations with artists across various genres, including Lana Del Rey, Peso Pluma, Lenny Kravitz, Teddy Swims and Luke Bryan. His recent works, such as “Tough” with Lana Del Rey and the reimagined “FLY” with Lenny Kravitz alongside his recent song “Georgia Ways with Luke Bryan and Teddy Swims highlight his ability to blend styles and resonate with diverse audiences while staying true to his roots.
