Grammy-winning musician Pharrell Williams on Saturday told the newest graduates of a historically Black university in Virginia to act like"the emerging majority" and help develop the area's businesses and culture.
"I didn't attend Norfolk State, but I was always present," Williams said."I am honoured 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." Before the presentation, Willams said he remembered the band as a child and wondered why the band at his Virginia Beach high school lacked the same"cadence" as Norfolk State.Williams said the city of Norfolk will thrive because it recognises how important it is to acknowledge past and local heroes:"Norfolk will not be the city that limits its peoples' own potential, but instead, it will feed it.
"We are the emerging majority," he said."Don't wait until Election Day. Vote with your wallets today, tomorrow and the next day."