Source: vitranc / Getty Black women are making tremendous strides in Hollywood these days, from raking up historical award show wins to crafting some of the most groundbreaking work in both television and film. One of the common threads of some of these women is that they got their start in the digital space via web series’ and the upcoming African American Women In Cinema (AAWIC) webisode competition is hoping to find the next black female voice of Hollywood. Like Issa Rae and Lena Waithe before them who got their starts creating web series’, the creative voices submitting their work for the upcoming AAWIC webisode competition are hoping to have the same future success. Based in New York City, each year the AAWIC host one of the most celebrated female film events in the country that shines its spotlight onto ambitious women filmmakers from all over the country and throughout the world. The 20 th annual AAWIC Film Festival is seeking short webisode submissions with a running time of 45 minutes or less, that are directed, produced or written by women who are of African, Latina, Asian or Native American diaspora. Webisode creators are free to submit multiple entrees however, a $20 submission fee must be paid for each entry. YOU CAN ENTER THE CONTEST BY CLICKING HERE. AAWIC President Terra Renee expressed her excitement at this year’s competition and the opportunity it provides upcoming talent. She stated, “I am so grateful for this wonderful opportunity for webisode creators and for the unique insight of Hello Beautiful to bring awareness of powerful talent in the digital world!” The winner will be chosen by the AAWIC webisode jury and the winning webisode will premiere on HelloBeautiful.com . The deadline for submissions is March 23 with the event taking place March 27-31. Good luck to all of the creators submitting their work! Source: AAWIC / Courtesy Submit your webisode here. Check out today’s Top Stories here: ‘Insecure’ Creator Issa Rae To Host The 2018 CFDA Awards Michelle Obama Met The Little Queen Who Fell In Love WIth Her Portrait
In celebration of Black History Month 2018, Radio One Detroit is highlighting Detroit landmarks that have had an impact on black history! Source: iOne Digital / iOne Digital The Gateway to Freedom Source: Raymond Boyd / Getty Detroit has played a major role in the history of African Americans. As one of the major stops on the Underground Railroad, Detroit became a stepping stone for many. The Gateway to Freedom International Memorial to the Underground Railroad is located in Detroit’s Hart Plaza. The monument was sculpted by Edward Dwight and dedicated on October 20, 2001. The monument faces the Detroit River and Canada. Dwight also created a companion to this piece named the Tower of Freedom, which sits in the Civic Esplande in Windsor, Ontario. Both memorials honor the tenacity and fight of African Americans to gain their independence. There are not many websites for information on this historical memorial. However, taking a trip down to Hart Plaza can give you a greater understanding of its history and significance.
In celebration of Black History Month, UAW Ford is recognizing African Americans who have paved the way for others! Source: iOne Digital / iOne Digital UAW Ford recognizes Nelson Jack Edwards – Source: Witek / Detroit Public Library Nelson “Jack” Edwards was Vice President of the UAW and a founder of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. Nelson was born in 1917 on a farm in Lowndes County, Alabama. In 1937 he moved to Detroit and worked at the Chrysler plant where he became active in the local union. Inspired by his brother John who had told him the union was doing good things, Edwards began his union career during the union growth of the 1930s. Nelson became the first black man to become a vice-president of the UAW and long-time civil rights champion. He was silenced by a gunman in 1974 but his achievements are monumental and continue for all to emulate and build on. About UAW Ford Ford and the UAW are always working to maintain and build upon our position as industry leaders. Our commitment to worker involvement and labor-management cooperation has deepened over the years, helping to keep us on the cutting edge as an example of labor and management working together for the benefit of all. Click Here to Visit Our Website Thanks to the Detroit Public Library for providing Radio One with the above picture. Click HERE to visit their website!
This is Harley Barber. Harley Barber is AΦ and thinks that she can throw around the N word and not be held accountable for her actions. @UofAlabama let’s prove her wrong. Racism and Bigotry will not and can not be tolerated. Period. pic.twitter.com/oKp8KlNMfo — Brittney K (@_thebrittneyk) January 16, 2018 Harley Barber Expelled Don’t be sorry now, stupid. That’s the message that’s being sent to Harley Barber, a University of Alabama student whose racist rant went viral. As previously reported the audacious Alpha Phi sorority member posted several videos calling black people “n***rs” and adding that she can drop the N-word freely because she’s in the south. “We do not waste water,” said Barber in a video of herself turning off a water faucet. “We don’t waste water because of people in Syria. I love how I act like I love black people because I f–king hate n—–s. So, that’s really interesting — I f—king hate n—–s, but I just saved the f–king n—–s by shutting that water off.” She later added this in another video after receiving backlash; ““I’ve wanted to be in Alpha Phi since f–king high school and nobody f—king understands how much I love Alpha Phi,” Barber says, staring directly at the camera. “And now someone wants to save my finsta because I said n—-r? You know what? N—-r, n—-r, n—-r. I don’t care if it’s Martin Luther King Day.” Watch ya clotted cream mouth beyotch. The New Jersey native has now been expelled from Alabama and she’s apologizing for being a rancid racist in an interview with The New York Post. “I did something really, really bad,” Barber told The Post. “I don’t know what to do and I feel horrible. I’m wrong and there’s just no excuse for what I did.” Asked if she considered the advice from one of her friends who suggested that Barber not post the videos, Barber replied: “No, I’m an idiot. There’s no excuse. I did something really bad.” See what happens when you’re a wasted dollop of dumpster mayo??? Harley Barber is an example of how your right to free speech does not protect you from the repercussions of said speech. — Monique Judge (@thejournalista) January 17, 2018 What do YOU think about Harley Barber getting expelled???
Image via Danielle James/iONEDigital How Black Hollywood Is Failing The Black Press This article was written by staff writer and producer Keyaira Kelly and was originally published by our iONE sister site Hello Beautiful . I was a budding journalist nervously going over my iPhone notes for my first red carpet interview when I noticed it. I was proudly standing on the HelloBeautiful place marker waiting for the behind-the-scenes chaos to begin, when I spotted around my feet the strategic placements of almost every other Black outlet in the space. It doesn’t take a veteran to realize the Black press cluster at the end of red carpet lineups makes Black reporters susceptible to the brush-by of celebs and publicists who politely quip, “sorry, ran out of time” as they scurry out of view. Black media often receives rushed statements, or no comment at all, even though that same Black celebrity stopped for E! Online just moments ago. The strategic cafeteria table-esque segregation of Black press on red carpets is one of many micro-aggressions we face as Black journalists. And while being placed at the tail-end of a carpet is more indicative of the predominately White media system and its value assessment of Black press, these oversights are even more hurtful when they come from your own people. The fact is, too many of our Black celebrities are simply not supporting us. Most, if not all, Black celeb power seeds in our communities. The dominant corporations and media powers-that-be mine our talent and resources for the “next big thing.” And Black media celebrates when our people are plucked out of our silos and make it. We cheer as they float up into mainstream heaven with the hopes that, as they ascend, that they will still feel our loose grips on their balloon strings and tug back. But all too often, that mutual support just isn’t felt. In many cases, once a celebrity passes a certain status, they completely forget about those same Black media outlets who were among the first to cover them and their talents. We live in an age where social capital immediately translates into monetary capital. Re-tweets and shares translate into clicks, which drive traffic and advertising dollars and revenue. That’s the reality of our business model. So when small teams of Black journalists take the time and effort to profile a Black celebrity with a large reach and that content isn’t shared with the influencer’s audiences, the impact reverberates through us all. Just a simple scan of some of your favorite Black celebs Twitter and IG feeds and you would discover links to and RTs of interviews they did with White outlet after White outlet, while Black-owned, Black-run press is often omitted from the conversation. I don’t write this with the intent to say the erasure is entirely malicious or even conscious. The lure of White validation is something we’ve all been conditioned to seek. In 2016, Very Smart Brothas writer Damon Young, unpacked how he, and many other Black people, subconsciously value “the attention of the mainstream platforms more than the Black ones”–even if they don’t show us the same love back. We still throw up our hands in outrage when we lose Oscars and Grammys and Golden Globes to mediocre White talent, when in reality those systems were never created to celebrate us in the first place. After Beyoncés “Lemonade” album of the year Grammy snub in 2016, Solange echoed this sentiment urging black folks to “Create your own committees, build your own institutions, give your friends awards, award yourself, and be the gold you wanna hold my g’s.” Black press was born from that same place of urgency. Early 19th-century Black newspapers like the Freedom’s Journal, the North Star and the Frederick Douglas Papers sought to inform Black people from Black perspectives during a time when literacy rates were dismal among our people. After thriving for a century, many Black newspapers folded, unable to attract advertising dollars in the midst of economic crisis. Fortunately, the spirit of those early Black media outlets were reincarnated digitally, with outlets like The Root, Ebony, The Grio, Blavity, Black Voices, Madame Noire, Essence, and HelloBeautiful’s own parent company iOne Digital now carrying the torch and commitment to telling our stories our way. In a time where the press and freedom of speech are under attack more than ever before in modern history, the support from our communities and our celebrities is indispensable. When we say Black Lives Matter, we have to talk about this statement beyond the clutches of police brutality: behind every one of our bylines is a Black life. Black jobs matter. Black families matter. Black POVs matters. Black ownership matters. #BlackPressMatters. And when you have a company, like iOne Digital, which is one of the few remaining Black-owned media companies in the country, snubbed or not acknowledged for our coverage and support of Black interests, it eats away at the foundation of success that keeps our communities alive. So Black celebs, my brothers and sisters, I urge you to pay attention to the Black journalist at the end of the carpet nervously holding her recorder waiting to snag a quote from you. Tell your publicist that you want to give equal time to People Mag and MadameNoire. Google your name and make a note to retweet or share the latest article from the small Black women’s website that can’t get enough of your style choices. When breaking news happens, make it a point to share coverage from the black perspective as well as the big headline from CNN. After you complete an interview, post that photo inside our small studios and don’t forget to tag our brands. We’re all in this together. And nobody wins when the family forgets. Editor’s note: We truly hope this message sinks in with all of our beloved Black celebrities
Image via Getty New App Aims To Bring Legal Consent To Sex Into The Digital Age Rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment have always been hot button issues, but the topic has reached fever pitch of late with the emergence of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Well, according to Gizmodo , a Dutch tech company is looking to make both women and men safer when it comes time for sex. Yes, there’s an app for that. A company called LegalThings is developing an app called LegalFlings that allows potential partners to essentially sign a legally binding document that enumerates which sexual acts they consent to prior to doin’ the nasty. Some Black Mirror isht, we know. This might sound good in theory to some, but there are obviously NUMEROUS flaws with the practicality of this app. At any point during sex, someone can change their mind. You can’t just anally penetrate someone who is scared or screaming in pain just because they said “yeah we can try that” prior to sex. Consent doesn’t work that way. Technology is great and all, but c’mon. SMH.
2017 was a YEAR! Every year has its peaks and valleys, but for many 2017 represented 365 days of extreme challenges. Whirlwind romances and an uncertain economy have left a lot of us licking our wounds personally and professionally. If you took some “L’s” last year, here are some ways to change your approach to love and your career for 2018 and bounce back in a BIG way. 1. It’s OK To Be “In Your Feelings.” The biggest mistake most people make after a breakup is diving headfirst into anything that will make them forget the pain of what happened. It could be starting an intense workout regimen, a new pet, going vegan, a new boo…any project to keep them distracted. This never works. Let yourself feel all the things…hurt, embarrassment, rage, jealousy…all of it. The sooner you let yourself process all of the emotions the sooner you will stop stalking your ex on social media and get on with your amazing life! 2. Was It Them Or Was It Me? After a relationship ends it is really easy to open a bottle of wine (or 2!) and spend hours blaming the other person. While you’re busy pointing the finger at them, it may be time for some self-reflection. Were there red flags you ignored? Were you fully present in the relationship and giving your all or were you just going through the motions? Sometimes getting dumped is necessary to make us take a closer look at ourselves and what we can do to be a better partner the next time. If we’re honest, we ALL have some work to do. Let this break up be the start of your journey to your best self. 3. I nstead Of Updating Your Instagram…Update Your LinkedIn Account. There is nothing fabulous about getting fired. Stop posting brunch photos and playing with Snapchat filters and get your LinkedIn account popping. Unlike a breakup, this is one relationship you need to bounce back from immediately. If you were slacking at work and getting let go was justified, it is time to step it up. There is no excuse for being late, missed deadlines, or taking a million sick days. In 2018 stop making excuses and start pounding the digital pavement. Update your resume and hope whomever they ask for a reference at your old job is having a good day when they call! 4. Find The Lesson In Being Let Go One of my biggest mental shifts happened when I stopped asking, “Why did this happen to me?” and instead started asking “Why did this happen for me?” Getting laid off is never ideal, but look at it as an opportunity to take some time (within reason) to start focusing on the career or life goals you really want to achieve. Sometimes when we are in a safe job we aren’t pushed to really go for what we want. Let 2018 be the year you go for it. If you’ve been laid off take a week to feel bad, binge watch all the shows you’ve missed, and then get to work on a new plan. Use your network and let them know your ideas and plans. Your dream job could be a conversation away. The job is gone…you probably didn’t love it anyway. Be thankful for the freedom to try something new. Here’s to a happy, healthy, prosperous 2018! DON’T MISS: How To Ball Out On A Budget With Entry Level Salary #HelloWorld: How To Get To Cuba Before Trump Shuts The Whole Thing Down Zora Neale Hurston’s Profile Of Last Surviving US Slave To Be Published In 2018 [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”2972956″ overlay=”true”]
M ost people can agree that 2017 has not been an easy year. For journalists of color, the stories we are called to write and report on have been heart wrenching, tear-jerking, and downright triggering to produce. But we continue to wake up every day, fulfill our callings, and get this money because we were taught to power through anything that threatens our livelihood. Here are some of the things Ione Digital journalists do to calm themselves in the face of crisis: “ I realize that when the news cycle is brutal, it’s more important than ever to allow yourself to unplug. For me that means I sign off Twitter, leave my phone on silent, and zone out with a good book or a face mask. It also means helping others, whether it means reaching out to see how other colleagues are doing or finding a way to help with charity work.” – Jada Gomez, CASSIUS Deputy Editor “I find laughter, whether it’s via a movie or my friends or a funny joke on Twitter. Being able to laugh about something often allows me to decompress and relax. I also listen to music, which might be my biggest refuge in this crazy world. Looking for new material, new artists, or just feeling nostalgic and playing something old allows me to go to another place. Sometimes, I write it out. Writing about my thoughts and feelings helps me identify and acknowledge a lot of things about myself. Even if it’s for me to see and no one else, seeing how I feel on a page or on a screen can sometimes show me a different perspective.” – Cory Townes, CASSIUS Associate Entertainment Editor “ I give myself permission to tap out. I turn on my favorite ‘reality’ TV shows and zone out to decompress my mind. Red wine helps, too. Lots of wine.” – Keyaira Kelly, Hello Beautiful Staff Writer & Producer “ I cry sometimes. No apologies. I remind myself that if reporting/witnessing death and destruction doesn’t occasionally move me to tears, particularly as a parent whose babes have to thrive in this world, something’s wrong with me . I preach to the choir: I only check for my most woke crew when I need to vent about the crazy and feel affirmed that my point of view is actually what’s sane. Whether on social or in real life, when it gets thick, I only seek the bona fide, unwavering wise ones. I puff, puff, pass. I mean, if it was legal. When in serious need of less stress, I might throw on a robe, relax, indulge, eat Munchos and talk shit while not watching the Kardashians or Antique Road Show . Might , you judgmental freaks.” – Kierna Mayo, Senior Vice President of Content and Brands “ I choose what I consume. I haven’t watched [footage of] the LV shooting and I probably won’t. I have the power of what I watch and I don’t have to watch violent acts towards people. I also do this so these things aren’t normalized in my mind. I call someone I love. Sometimes these acts can make you feel helpless. However, there are people that I love and who love me and no time is a better time to let someone know how you feel about them than now. Also: d eep breathing. It really is powerful and calming and a stress reliever. Try it!” – Danielle James, Hello Beautiful Style & Beauty Editor “ I’ve gotten back into therapy, which has been very helpful. I also take time away from social media and prioritize spending time with my loved ones in ways that I haven’t in recent years. In the past, I’ve been more inclined to ‘drink it away,’ but I’ve actually been indulging in alcohol less and turning to the ‘mighty herb’ instead (legally, of course). It does wonders for my anxiety and helps me sleep, which doesn’t come easy these days.” – Jamilah Lemieux, Vice President of News and Men’s Programming “ I pray. It sounds cliche, but it’s gotten me through during some of the most difficult times of my life. There’s a sense of calm and serenity it brings, which definitely helps me get through. I also talk to Nana. My 93-year-old grandmother has seen it all; it’s an added blessing that at her age she’s still sharp as a tack, lives on her own, is pretty self-sufficient and is in great health. Whenever I feel like all is hopeless, she always knows how to put things in perspective as she’s powered through the toughest of times from war, segregation, and political turmoil to extreme poverty and death. I also watch ratchet TV. Sometimes a bit of escapism is all you need to get through. When I’m feeling overwhelmed with day to day stress and the current the state of affairs a little Love and Hip Hop or WAGS messiness always gives me a much needed laugh.” – Marielle Bobo, Executive Director of Style & Special Projects “ I try as hard as possible to zone out. I’ll say a prayer, listen to Solange or Lauryn Hill, and just vibe out. Watching pointless reality TV also helps. I refuse to watch the news after six, I like to wind down as calm as possible.” – James Love, Associate Editor of Style & Culture “Some work weeks are crazier than others, but I try to carve out time for exercise no matter what. Meditation and stretches in the mornings. Yoga after work. Sometimes it’s a jog. Whatever the activity, getting lost in my body allows me to tune out the noise and tune into myself. I journal whenever I find my thoughts making a mess of themselves. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed or anxious and can’t place my finger on why. Since I’m visual, seeing my thoughts on paper helps me sort them out and find solutions. A typical morning commute is me scrolling through my timeline for headlines while packed on the 1 train, but if I need extra ‘me’ time before I shift into work mode, I’ll read a book. Books have been my number one escape since I was a child. They’re a place of solace in turbulent times, and sometimes getting lost in someone else’s story is just what I need to take the edge off. I’m very introverted by nature and don’t like bombarding others with my issues, but when all else fails, I’ll confide in someone I love, like a trusted friend or my partner.” – Stephanie Long, News & Culture Editor SEE ALSO: 4 Steps To Healthy Eating With Black Plant Foods Five Tips To Jump-Start Your Workout In 2017 [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3053899″ overlay=”true”]
M ost people can agree that 2017 has not been an easy year. For journalists of color, the stories we are called to write and report on have been heart wrenching, tear-jerking, and downright triggering to produce. But we continue to wake up every day, fulfill our callings, and get this money because we were taught to power through anything that threatens our livelihood. Here are some of the things Ione Digital journalists do to calm themselves in the face of crisis: “ I realize that when the news cycle is brutal, it’s more important than ever to allow yourself to unplug. For me that means I sign off Twitter, leave my phone on silent, and zone out with a good book or a face mask. It also means helping others, whether it means reaching out to see how other colleagues are doing or finding a way to help with charity work.” – Jada Gomez, CASSIUS Deputy Editor “I find laughter, whether it’s via a movie or my friends or a funny joke on Twitter. Being able to laugh about something often allows me to decompress and relax. I also listen to music, which might be my biggest refuge in this crazy world. Looking for new material, new artists, or just feeling nostalgic and playing something old allows me to go to another place. Sometimes, I write it out. Writing about my thoughts and feelings helps me identify and acknowledge a lot of things about myself. Even if it’s for me to see and no one else, seeing how I feel on a page or on a screen can sometimes show me a different perspective.” – Cory Townes, CASSIUS Associate Entertainment Editor “ I give myself permission to tap out. I turn on my favorite ‘reality’ TV shows and zone out to decompress my mind. Red wine helps, too. Lots of wine.” – Keyaira Kelly, Hello Beautiful Staff Writer & Producer “ I cry sometimes. No apologies. I remind myself that if reporting/witnessing death and destruction doesn’t occasionally move me to tears, particularly as a parent whose babes have to thrive in this world, something’s wrong with me . I preach to the choir: I only check for my most woke crew when I need to vent about the crazy and feel affirmed that my point of view is actually what’s sane. Whether on social or in real life, when it gets thick, I only seek the bona fide, unwavering wise ones. I puff, puff, pass. I mean, if it was legal. When in serious need of less stress, I might throw on a robe, relax, indulge, eat Munchos and talk shit while not watching the Kardashians or Antique Road Show . Might , you judgmental freaks.” – Kierna Mayo, Senior Vice President of Content and Brands “ I choose what I consume. I haven’t watched [footage of] the LV shooting and I probably won’t. I have the power of what I watch and I don’t have to watch violent acts towards people. I also do this so these things aren’t normalized in my mind. I call someone I love. Sometimes these acts can make you feel helpless. However, there are people that I love and who love me and no time is a better time to let someone know how you feel about them than now. Also: d eep breathing. It really is powerful and calming and a stress reliever. Try it!” – Danielle James, Hello Beautiful Style & Beauty Editor “ I’ve gotten back into therapy, which has been very helpful. I also take time away from social media and prioritize spending time with my loved ones in ways that I haven’t in recent years. In the past, I’ve been more inclined to ‘drink it away,’ but I’ve actually been indulging in alcohol less and turning to the ‘mighty herb’ instead (legally, of course). It does wonders for my anxiety and helps me sleep, which doesn’t come easy these days.” – Jamilah Lemieux, Vice President of News and Men’s Programming “ I pray. It sounds cliche, but it’s gotten me through during some of the most difficult times of my life. There’s a sense of calm and serenity it brings, which definitely helps me get through. I also talk to Nana. My 93-year-old grandmother has seen it all; it’s an added blessing that at her age she’s still sharp as a tack, lives on her own, is pretty self-sufficient and is in great health. Whenever I feel like all is hopeless, she always knows how to put things in perspective as she’s powered through the toughest of times from war, segregation, and political turmoil to extreme poverty and death. I also watch ratchet TV. Sometimes a bit of escapism is all you need to get through. When I’m feeling overwhelmed with day to day stress and the current the state of affairs a little Love and Hip Hop or WAGS messiness always gives me a much needed laugh.” – Marielle Bobo, Executive Director of Style & Special Projects “ I try as hard as possible to zone out. I’ll say a prayer, listen to Solange or Lauryn Hill, and just vibe out. Watching pointless reality TV also helps. I refuse to watch the news after six, I like to wind down as calm as possible.” – James Love, Associate Editor of Style & Culture “Some work weeks are crazier than others, but I try to carve out time for exercise no matter what. Meditation and stretches in the mornings. Yoga after work. Sometimes it’s a jog. Whatever the activity, getting lost in my body allows me to tune out the noise and tune into myself. I journal whenever I find my thoughts making a mess of themselves. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed or anxious and can’t place my finger on why. Since I’m visual, seeing my thoughts on paper helps me sort them out and find solutions. A typical morning commute is me scrolling through my timeline for headlines while packed on the 1 train, but if I need extra ‘me’ time before I shift into work mode, I’ll read a book. Books have been my number one escape since I was a child. They’re a place of solace in turbulent times, and sometimes getting lost in someone else’s story is just what I need to take the edge off. I’m very introverted by nature and don’t like bombarding others with my issues, but when all else fails, I’ll confide in someone I love, like a trusted friend or my partner.” – Stephanie Long, News & Culture Editor SEE ALSO: 4 Steps To Healthy Eating With Black Plant Foods Five Tips To Jump-Start Your Workout In 2017 [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3053899″ overlay=”true”]
Source: Emma McIntyre / Getty Pharrell had a lot to say on VH1’s most recent Hip Hop Honors . This year’s show honored the game changers of the 90s and Pharrell was set to introduce legendary music video director Hype Williams . However, Skateboard P took the time to call out an alarming issue — racism. “Everybody at home right now watching this, and acting like ya’ll don’t see what’s going on out there. Ya’ll got to open your eyes,” Pharrell started. “You keep saying you don’t see what’s going on on television, what’s happening to us. Open your eyes. And if you look like I look, then you know how we got here. But we’re here, and we’re not leaving. So what are we going to do?” Pharrell then went on to address a particular group — probably a certain population of White people — and warned them that folks in power don’t have their best interest at heart. “Don’t think because they’re coming at the African-Americans and the Jewish community and the Hispanics that it can’t be you too just cause you look like them. They’re using you,” Pharrell said. He continued, “You should understand ’they’ can change their minds and it might not be about Black, White, big, skinny or small. It could be about facial features. It might be about hair color. Don’t act like they didn’t do that before.” Skateboard P ended by apologizing for taking up time with politics, but he felt like it was important to say something: “This is where we are right now. Me, I’m just a tiny, tiny, tiny, tiny, little musician. Like little small, tiny musician, but I’m African American. African means that’s what’s in me, American means thats where I am right now. So if this is where I am and this is America, it’s for liberty and justice for all.” You can watch Pharrell’s words for yourself below.