PHARRELL, VIRGINIA ANNOUNCE JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY

Legendary producer/artist Pharrell joined Viginia Governor Ralph Northam to announce the state's recognition and official legislation to honor Juneteenth (6/19) as an official state holiday commemorating the end of slavery.

At the press conference, Virginia native Pharrell took the stage to say "I can’t say this enough: a paid holiday. It’s not the end of it, it’s merely just the beginning. Their lives matter. Their descendants’ lives matter. Black lives matter in the eyes of the commonwealth. I can’t say that it always has, but finally we recognize that black lives absolutely matter and that’s not political."

Pharrell also stated that over the weekend he called the Governor, and his and the state's response and reaction is what "listening looks like."

Watch the press conference below, the Governor and Pharrell speak after the 20 minute mark.