After Gov. Brian Kemp declared a public health emergency over the weekend, Atlanta rapper Clifford “T.I.” Harris posted a message online urging his fans to remain calm.
“I don’t know who needs to hear this but... THIS TOO SHALL PASS,” a screenshot from the rapper’s Notes app read in part.
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“Don't let the mass hysteria of the world (everybody else) make you forget how good God has been to ALL OF US... Those of you who feel you can be a person of faith & not have your faith be tested...you're mistaken,” Harris wrote in the caption. He added that “PRAYER SHOULD REPLACE YOUR WORRIES” and urged followers to “Take it light.”
Harris’ message, which came ahead of Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms declaring a state of emergency in the city, followed a previous post in which he told fans, “Don’t panic. Inform yourself.”
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Ahead of the coronavirus outbreak, Harris had been focused on reopening Bankhead Seafood, which is set to undergo renovations this summer. The goal is to transform the space, which Harris bought with fellow Atlanta rapper and Frederick Douglass High School graduate Killer Mike, into an affordable, full-service eatery complete with a rooftop space and expanded parking. The 130-seat space is scheduled to open in early 2021.
The duo isn’t only reopening the celebrated spot, however. Killer Mike announced at the pair’s former high school last month that he and Harris will partner with the HBCU Foundation to launch a college scholarship program. Initial plans call for the funding to be granted each year to several of Douglass’ future graduates to attend a historically black college or university on a full ride.
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