Pharrell gave the keynote speech at the Urban League of Hampton Roads’ (ULHR) annual Martin Luther King, Jr. awards program, and the Grammy-winning producer made it clear that economic equity is the future. And he says that's true whether you buy in today or not. The event could not be held in person because of COVID-19; it was livestreamed via Facebook and YouTube.

Williams made a point of emphasizing the need for big businesses to invest in people of color; and he also noted that some of them already are. He referenced the Japanese financial and venture capital group SoftBank, citing them as “investing billions in founders of color. (They are) creating businesses, legacies, generational wealth, and changing their cities in ways more privileged founders could never have envisioned.”

He said that businesses that want to thrive in the future will see the value here.

“Not all businesses,” Williams added. “The smart ones — the ones that will be here in 50 years.”

Williams also urged businesses and philanthropists to support the Urban League and thanked the local chapter for its work in financial wellness, health and housing. The ULHR hosts the awards program on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is held in mid-January annually to commemorate the late activist and his birthday.