bet awards tyler perry
Tyler Perry’s BET Awards Acceptance Speech
Tyler Perry received the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2019 BET Awards and delivered a powerful acceptance speech. He spoke about his upbringing, his journey in Hollywood, and the importance of building your own table.
The Power of Building Your Own Table
One of the most powerful moments in Tyler Perry’s speech was his message of self-reliance and creating your own opportunities. He directly addressed the lack of diversity in Hollywood, particularly the #OscarsSoWhite movement, by urging aspiring artists to forge their own paths rather than waiting for a seat at an exclusive table. “While everybody else is fighting for a seat at the table, talking about #OscarsSoWhite, #OscarsSoWhite,” Perry declared, “I said, ‘Y’all go ahead and do that. While you’re fighting for a seat at the table, I’ll be down in Atlanta building my own.'”
This statement resonated deeply with the audience as it spoke to Perry’s own journey of overcoming adversity and building his own empire, Tyler Perry Studios, from the ground up. He didn’t wait for Hollywood to embrace diversity; he created his own space and opportunities for himself and other marginalized artists. This message of empowerment resonated with dreamers everywhere, encouraging them to take control of their destinies and build their own tables instead of waiting for permission or acceptance from established institutions.
Honoring His Mother and Uplifting Black Women
Tyler Perry’s speech was deeply personal, weaving in anecdotes from his childhood and paying tribute to the strong women in his life, particularly his mother. He recounted how he used humor to comfort his mother after she endured abuse from his father. Making her laugh became a source of strength and inspiration, shaping his perspective on the power of storytelling and its ability to uplift and empower.
This personal connection fueled Perry’s desire to create films that centered on Black women, offering them representation and celebrating their resilience. He explicitly acknowledged this intention, stating, “The first 10 movies I made were about her, subconsciously, wanting her to know she’s worthy, to let Black women know they are worthy, special, powerful, amazing.” His commitment to showcasing the experiences and strength of Black women has been a cornerstone of his career, resonating with audiences and contributing to his enduring success.
The Significance of Tyler Perry Studios’ Location
Tyler Perry’s acceptance speech went beyond personal reflections, delving into the profound significance of his studio’s location. He emphasized the deliberate choice to establish Tyler Perry Studios in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Atlanta, a decision driven by a desire to inspire and uplift the community. “When I built my studio, I built it in a neighborhood that is one of the poorest black neighborhoods in Atlanta so that young black kids could see that a black man did that, and they can do it too,” Perry declared.
Beyond its impact on the local community, Perry’s choice of location held a powerful historical context. He revealed that the land on which his studio stands was once a Confederate Army base, a site where plans were made to perpetuate slavery. Now, that very land is owned and operated by a Black man, a poignant testament to the strides made towards equality and the potential for positive change.
Inspiring Dreamers and Owning Your Path
Tyler Perry’s BET Awards speech resonated with aspiring artists and entrepreneurs, serving as a powerful call to action. He urged dreamers to take ownership of their path, emphasizing self-reliance as the key to success. “While everybody else is fighting for a seat at the table, talking about OscarsSoWhite, OscarsSoWhite, I said, ‘Y’all go ahead and do that. While you’re fighting for a seat at the table, I’ll be down in Atlanta building my own. Because what I know for sure is that if I could just build this table, God will prepare it for me in the presence of my enemies,” he declared.
His message resonated deeply, urging individuals to create their own opportunities rather than waiting for them to be handed to them. This sentiment was further emphasized by his closing words⁚ “I want you to hear this. Every dreamer in this room, there are people whose lives are tied to your dream. Own your stuff, own your business, own your way.” Tyler Perry’s powerful speech left the BET Awards audience inspired and empowered, urging them to embrace their dreams and pave their own paths to success.