Virginia Beach native and "Something in the Water" founder Pharrell Williams is speaking out during a time of social unrest.
Williams co-wrote an essay in Time Magazine with writer Michael Harriot as part of the publication's "The New American Revolution" project.
Williams also curated a series of essays from the project from other prominent black voices, including activist Angela Davis and U.S. Representative Barbara Lee.
In his essay, Williams writes about Virginia's history with slavery and how he is able to come to terms with his home state's past.
"The rugged spot jutting out from America's mainland that birthed this nation has since been named Virginia Beach. It birthed me too," he wrote.
He said growing up in Virginia Beach left an "indelible impression" on him, calling himself both "the promise of America and a product of its shameful past."
To read all of the essays from this series, click here.
