Pharrell proposes Juneteenth as US state holiday in powerful speech: “This is a very special moment”
Pharrell Williams has delivered a powerful speech to announce legislation that would make Juneteenth – the day that celebrates the end of US slavery in 1865 – a state holiday in Virginia.He was joined by governor Ralph Northam to discuss the law, which is set to pass the Democrat-controlled state legislature.In his speech, Pharrell opened up on his own ancestors, who were slaves, as well as the state’s role in the slave trade.“This is a very special moment,” he said. “From this moment on when you look up, you look at the vastness of the night sky, and you see those stars moving up there—know that those stars are our African ancestors dancing.“They’re dancing in celebration because their lives are finally being acknowledged.