Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
A new cause is makingPharrell Williamsvery, well, happy.
The superstar musician, formerVoicecoachand father of four, 45, has joined forces with American Express to launch an initiative to support arts and music education in schools, kicking off with The Yellow Ball on Sept. 10, a star-studded fundraiser to be held in New York City.
“I’m just super excited. This is about creativity,” Pharrell tells PEOPLE of the initiative. “As you know in education curriculum in this country, art is largely diminishing. We have to protect the creative mind. Virtually everything that is around you was once someone’s epiphany. So it’s awesome to team up with a company like American Express. For them to be into this and want to support this.”
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As a former arts student who struggled academically, Williams says it’s a cause close to his heart. Looking back, “I felt like I won the lottery,” he says. “For the longest time I couldn’t explain how I had gotten to where I’ve gotten. I realized my teachers all kept pointing me in a certain direction, without knowing where I was headed, but they just knew I had something.”
He continues, “I wasn’t the best student, but I had teachers who cared, who saw a propensity in me for music. All kids that have something that is recognizable should get that opportunity.”
Williams, the proudfather of 19-month-old tripletsas well as son Rocket, with his wife Helen Lasichanh, counts his own children as inspiration. “Of course when I think of my children, yes, but I would do this without children,” he says. “I’ve been blessed to make sure that my children will have that [opportunity]… this is about the kids who may not have that kind of force in their life, or the means or the situation or the environment.”
American Express
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When it comes to his babies, who he said last year “harmonize when they cry,” he’s nothing but thankful. Asked how he’s managing the work commitments, philanthropic endeavors and daddy duty times three, he says it’s all about “gratitude”.
“I’m blessed,” says the star. “If you realize how lucky you are you take more care. Gratitude is about being aware.” And despite what he calls “the crazy things happening in our country,” the “Happy” singer can’t help but see a silver lining.
“Even in the darkest of times the sun is still shining,” says Williams. As for his work with American Express and the Yellow Ball, “I think it’s a great step. I’m elated.”
The Yellow Ball will take place Sept. 10 at the Brooklyn Museum to help raise awareness and money for the organizationYoung Audiences Arts for Learning. For more information visitamex.co/yellow.
source: people.com
