Pharrell Williams' Parents worked hard and became successful in their jobs. Even though their careers are far from the entertainment industry, their son is one of the most celebrated singers.
Carolyn and Pharoah Williams are proud parents to three sons. Their eldest son Pharrell is among the most successful musicians of his generation. Pharrell Williams' parents met in 1969 on the weekend of Labor Day.
In an interview, Carolyn recalled meeting Pharoah but didn't disclose how old she was. However, since she was studying at First Colonial High School, it's safe to say she was a young teen. At the time, Carolyn lived in Virginia Beach.
Dr. Carolyn Williams Has a Deep Love for Education & Earned Four Degrees
Carolyn values education and has earned four degrees from three different institutions. She earned one degree from Tidewater Community College, two more from Dominion University, and her doctorate from Regent University, which gave her the credentials to add Dr to Mrs.
Even though Carolyn retired, she remained an educator at heart and helped her children figure out what they wanted to do. Her famous son is the spitting image of her. They share lots of things in common, like the same facial structure and similar skin tone.
While Pharrell and his mom have things in common, education isn't among them. Carolyn's son earned average grades at Princess Anne High School and didn't attend college.
Pharrell Williams speaks onstage during the TV One Urban One Honors at The Eastern on December 02, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia. | Source: Getty Images
Though he didn't show interest in education like his mom, he is smart, given his ability to write and produce hit songs. Aside from that, Carolyn's famous son is also a designer and stylist.
Carolyn, a former teacher at Landstown Middle School, Princess Anne, and Great Neck Middle School, wasn't heartbroken by her son's lack of interest in education. Instead, she understood and accepted his decision.
Carolyn said she chose to understand her children and accept them for who they are. She stated that her son has his one way of doing things and sees him as a creative and out-of-the-box thinker. Carolyn's other son Cato studied film and is also a professional skateboarder.
Pharrell Williams at Selfridges in central London. Picture date: Friday November 25, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Carolyn stated that even though the organization offers learning opportunities, it also wants children to experience the joy of education by making it enjoyable.
In 2014, Carolyn revealed that her youngest son, Solomon, wanted to be a quantum physicist, and she was helping him asses different colleges and fill out application forms.
Pharoah Williams, on the Other Hand, Taught Himself to Cook & Makes the Menu for His Son's Restaurant
Pharrell's father is a self-taught chef and often works on different menus at his son's restaurant. He is known for his spicy and sweet Nono Sauce, which is part of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Pharrell's passion for cooking began at an early age, and he might have gotten the inspiration from his father.
Pharoah has always been in the kitchen, just like his mother. His favorite dishes include fried chicken, pork, and catfish with a special sauce.
Pharrell likes to try out his father's meals and admitted that he has a unique way of making his sauce more savory than spicy. The singer said his father's seasoning was the most distinctive thing about his cooking. He said his father had a special way of preparing meals, and his grandmothers cooked the same way.
Pharrell Williams attends the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
They prepared several signature dishes, including juicy BBQ chicken and ribs, cornmeal-crusted catfish, and French toast, which they served alongside amaretto whipped cream and candied oranges.
[Carolyn] said her son was inspired to share experiences, and the best way to do it was through education and technology.
Every February of each year, it has become a tradition for Pharoah and his Grammy-Award-winning son to host the Williams Family Kitchen Soul Food Brunch at Pharrell's restaurant. While Pharoah is known for his tasty delicacies, he worked as a handyman before pursuing his passion for cooking.
Pharrell Williams' Mother Also Spearheads His Non-Profit Organization for STEMM Students
Even though Carolyn retired as a teacher, she still follows her passion for helping children with their education. She works at her son's non-profit organization, From One Hand to Another.
Pharrell Williams speaks onstage during the Mighty Dream Forum on November 03, 2022, in Norfolk, Virginia. | Source: Getty Images
The organization provides Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Motivation education needed to help children become successful. Carolyn heads the organization and acts as the spokesperson.
Carolyn revealed during an interview with Huffspot that her son was inspired to establish the organization after traveling overseas. She said her son was inspired to share experiences, and the best way to do it was through education and technology.
Pharrell Williams speaks onstage during the Mighty Dream Forum on November 01, 2022, in Norfolk, Virginia. | Source: Getty Images
The organization aims to impact children's lives, and its mission is to change one child at a time by giving them the necessary resources and tools to reach their maximum potential.
Carolyn stated that some of the organization's goals include empowering less privileged children by giving them opportunities to learn through new technologies, media, and arts.
From One Hand To Another offers project-based activities and lessons that improve learning opportunities while promoting and boosting children's self-esteem.
Carolyn stated that even though the organization offers learning opportunities, it also wants children to experience the joy of education by making it enjoyable. Dr. Carolyn added that by doing so, the children can feed their curiosity and still improve their learning.
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