The recent widely exposed impasse between the Virginia Beach City and Pharrell has provided an opportunity for residents and business owners to express our concerns and sentiments regarding the tense issues surrounding it. As a Virginia Beach Oceanfront resident, ViBe Creative District business owner, person of color, veteran and representative of new and alternative forms of the arts--I am submitting this letter on behalf of myself, the artists I represent and those who wish to express their support for Pharrell and stress the importance of a negotiation process which will address the valid concerns raised by the artist. We recognize this impasse far exceeds entertainment business and lies within deeper personal and systemic concerns shared by many.

This impasse presents a serious moral, philosophical and spirit loss to those of us affected by it--a loss which will have a long-lasting negative ripple effect through this area. It is our hope that the city will do everything in its power to review legitimate grievances, surgically remove stagnant blockages in process, philosophy and priority which do not align with the future goals of the city communities and businesses. This impasse is an opportunity for the city to use its powers to move these systemic issues forward in a historical way. While we recognize the complexity of the issues involved, it should never be too complex for city officials to demonstrate genuine equality, genuine respect to citizens of all backgrounds, and provide opportunity for businesses and artists to thrive, represent their various cultures, backgrounds and stories without the sense of being exploited for financial gain but never truly incorporated into the true priorities of the seat of power.

As a native New Yorker, I am no stranger to toxic relationships between residents and city officials, crime, violence, racism and corruption; it is exactly these conditions which birthed the urban street and fine arts movements which my community promotes and represents. I permanently relocated to the Virginia Beach ViBe Creative District due to its demonstrated interest in addressing the diversity, genre and human rights issues which are of major concern to me and the artists I represent, and the peaceful and progressive manner this area appeared to move through these issues. There was a great sense of open possibility present here, in part due to the partnerships between Pharrell and the city which bring great credit and opportunity upon the entire community, and the underrepresented artists and businesses striving to succeed in this extremely competitive industry.

We applaud Pharrell for who he has tried and succeeded to be, in an industry which is also known for being highly toxic and exploitative. Our community is composed of artists who have grown up with, worked with or been heavily inspired by Pharrell as a person and an artist, and the deep work he has accomplished in Virginia Beach at the community level.

Pharrell has consistently taken a larger portion than his share of responsibility, to use his leverage to insist on moral, just and appropriate treatment of artists and citizens--particularly those coming from the marginalized urban class and color pathways. This is an artist known around the world for his calls for “Freedom”, for promoting dialogue and education, and creating positive humanity inspired products and services.

This great work between the arts community and the city is a process which is still underway. It is the hope of the undersigned that our sentiments and values will be considered in the negotiation processes, and this impasse will not be allowed to escalate into a scenario which becomes damaging to the community.

We commit to being positive drivers and participants in these issues and will remain actively involved in their evolution.