Pharrell Promises 114 Graduating Harlem Seniors A Summer Internship

BY Erika Marie 1463 Views
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He's preparing them for the new Harlem Renaissance.

It's always beautiful when entertainers and entrepreneurs create opportunities for others to thrive, especially the youth. Pharrell Williams's philanthropic efforts are well-known, but now the multi-platinum recording artist has promised to give graduating Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy High School students a chance of a lifetime.

There is a countless number of aspiring entertainers and professionals who are clamoring at the chance to work for Pharrell, and now 114 graduating seniors have been given the opportunity. Every student was reportedly accepted into college and during his commencement speech, Pharrell surprised them with an announcement.

“So let me be clear, every member of the 2019 graduating class, is guaranteed an internship waiting for them, you, next summer,” Pharrell said in a video posted by the school. "The world is watching, Harlem, but this renaissance will be different. Believe it or not, with respect, it's gonna actually be better. The reason why is because the new Harlem Renaissance has education at its core."

He continued, “It’s one thing to be ‘woke,’ another to be awake, leaned in and engaged." Check out a portion of his speech below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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