Pharrell calls for empathy from US leaders after being honored at Black Music Collective event

Pharrell Williams delivered an impassioned prayer for U.S. leadership during a pre-Grammy celebration of Black music in Los Angeles Thursday night, calling for “empathy, grace, and mercy” toward immigrants who “love this country just as much” as native-born citizens.

“I want to pray for the leaders of this nation and the powers that be,” said Williams, whose remarks drew sustained applause from attendees at the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective event. “Trust me, they would not be here if they didn’t believe us when we keep saying that this is the greatest nation on the planet.”

The 13-time Grammy winner was receiving the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the Fairmont Century Plaza ballroom just days before Sunday’s Grammy Awards ceremony. The annual event, now in its fourth year, celebrates artists whose influence extends beyond music into broader cultural and social spheres.

Justin Timberlake presented Williams with the award after performing a medley of their collaborative hits, including “Rock Your Body” and “Happy.” Timberlake praised his longtime creative partner as “one of one,” adding, “You are one of my favorite humans, bro. I am so honored to be here.”

One of the night’s most emotional tributes came from Tyler, the Creator, who credited Williams with consistently creating opportunities for others throughout his career. “Every door he goes in, he comes back out, grabs people, gives them the key,” Tyler said. “You have been, you are and you will always be my North Star.”

Dr. Dre, the award’s namesake, highlighted Williams’ multifaceted impact across music, fashion, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, noting that Williams has consistently leveraged his cultural influence to advocate for social change. “For this, I am so proud to have my name on an award now shared by him,” Dr. Dre said.

In his acceptance speech, Williams described music as “the skeleton key” that opened doors throughout his life. “A good skeleton key opens all doors, not just exclusive ones,” he noted. “Music opened the doors to the things that matter the most in my life.”

R&B singer Brandy and gospel artist Kirk Franklin were also honored at the event, each receiving the Black Music Icon Award. Brandy was celebrated with performances by Coco Jones, FLO, and Kehlani before taking the stage herself to sing “Almost Doesn’t Count.”

“Never did I imagine my name and the word ‘icon’ to ever merge,” Brandy said during her acceptance. “I’m humbly just a vessel chosen to use the gift to inspire, touch and change a life.”

Franklin, introduced as “the king of urban gospel,” was honored with performances by John Legend, Lecrae, PJ Morton, and Tamela Mann. The 20-time Grammy winner reflected on his challenging early life—including being adopted, experiencing homelessness, and sleeping in his car—and how faith shaped his journey.

“I learned early on about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and never wanted to be afraid to say that name,” Franklin said. “It hurts when I see the faith that I really believe in be so divisive and not be a message of love.”

The evening also featured an unexpected moment of rectification when Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. presented rapper Eve with a long-overdue Grammy for her contributions to The Roots’ 2000 hit “You Got Me.” Though Eve performed on the track, she wasn’t credited when it won best rap performance by a duo or group more than two decades ago.

“To make it right,” Mason told the audience, “the Recording Academy is here to offer a much deserved respect and recognition.”

Eve accepted the award to a standing ovation, saying through tears, “This is actually for little Eve from Philly. What is yours never can miss you.”

Since its establishment, the Black Music Collective has championed Black creators and industry leaders, previously honoring artists including Alicia Keys, JAY-Z, Missy Elliott, John Legend, and Mariah Carey. The organization also supports scholarships and initiatives aimed at developing the next generation of Black music leaders.

As the evening concluded, Williams’ call for compassion toward immigrants remained a powerful undercurrent. “Impact comes in many forms,” he noted in his final remarks. “Sometimes global, sometimes local, sometimes cultural and sometimes deeply personal.”