Pharrell Williams Encourages Norfolk State Graduates to Support Their Communities
Despite the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it has encouraged many people, college graduates included, to start businesses. Over the past year, there’s been a boom in black-owned businesses. With the graduation season upon us, new graduates must be reminded of giving back to their communities by creating, revamping, or supporting companies that represent the culture.
In a commencement speech for recent graduates of Norfolk State University, award-winning musician Pharrell Williams emphasized that grads act like “the emerging majority” and assist in diversifying and developing the area’s businesses. Norfolk State invited Williams as a speaker to their fall commencement ceremony. Williams, who didn’t attend Norfolk State, grew up close by in Virginia Beach.
“I didn’t attend Norfolk State, but I was always present,” Williams said, as reported by The Philadelphia Tribune. “I am honored to have made this part of my work, my story, and still today, I can’t wait to see how far you amazing, impressive graduates of Norfolk State … how far you’ll go.”
Norfolk State honored Williams with an honorary doctorate and made him an honorary member of Norfolk State’s marching band, which ultimately made the musician shed tears. Earlier in his speech, Williams mentioned how he questioned as a child why his high school band wasn’t as good as Norfolk State’s.
“I wanted to be able to make people feel the way Norfolk State’s band made me feel,” Williams said.
Williams encouraged the graduates to take care of their communities by shopping at local businesses and changing outdated language such as “minorities.”
“We are the emerging majority,” he said. “Don’t wait until Election Day. Vote with your wallets today, tomorrow, and the next day.”
Williams has a troubled relationship with Virginia Beach City, as he criticized the city months ago for their response to the case regarding his cousin’s death. His cousin was shot by a Virginia Beach City police officer back in March. The officer was later dismissed from all charges, as a grand jury considered his actions justified.
With the conclusion of his cousin’s case, Williams decided not to bring his famous festival, Something in the Water, back to the city.