Passion lights the fire inside all of us. It gives us the motivation to fight for what we love.
Tyler Perry's entire career was led by passion and drive. Now, the renowned producer, actor and director is one of the highest-paid Black men in entertainment, according to Forbes. Perry was recognized as a billionaire Sept. 1.
Perry is a role model to young Black creators all over the world. His lasting legacy has shown Black children that with hard work and dedication, they can be just as successful.
Perry uses his platform to represent Black and Brown voices everywhere. Throughout his movies, he acknowledges Black men and women who are poor, wealthy, gay or straight.
He showcases Black stories and makes our voices heard.
There are not many mainstream directors and writers who give Black actors a platform to speak on. Most films with Black stories are watered-down and not written by Black people.
In his 2009 film, "I Can Do Bad All by Myself," Perry recognized strong Black women who fight through difficult times. The movie begins with the main character in a depressed state, dealing with an abusive relationship and depression.
By the end, she turns her life around and gets remarried.
This story is important because it reflects real life. Not only did we get to see the raw, authentic side of a Black woman, but we also got to see her blossom and turn her situation around. This story is a moving force because it has the possibility to encourage someone to make a change in their life.
Perry also builds up communities.
Since 2006, the Perry Foundation has focused on investing in areas such as education, health, agriculture, human rights and arts. Perry has donated funds that made it possible to bring clean water to 65,079 people in four different countries.
When 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks was murdered, Perry offered to pay for his funeral costs and for the college education of Brooks’ four children. In April during quarantine, Perry paid for the grocery tabs of senior citizen shoppers at several Atlanta Kroger stores.
His legacy stretches beyond his donations.
One of Perry’s most recognizable accomplishments is his 330-acre studio in Atlanta. It houses forty buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, twelve sound stages and 200 acres of green space.
Perry has watched his dreams unfold before his eyes. But, other Black and Brown people were able to watch these dreams unfold as well.
Perry has shown them that they too, can become billionaires. They can build a life of their dreams.
Their skin color does not determine their destiny.
Uplifting Black stories, perspectives and art from IU and Bloomington. Reach out at blackvoices@idsnews.com.
