Tyler Perry knows that being underestimated is his ultimate super power in the entertainment industry. Perry has spoken out often on how the industry never understood what he represented and how he would get laughed at. Although he wasn’t taken seriously in the past that never stopped him from pushing forward. He created stories and shows that almost everyone could relate to. Now that he has reached uncharted heights after purchasing a 330-acre former confederate army base in Atlanta to create Tyler Perry’s studios many fans want to know, what’s next?
In an interview with EBONY Perry’s talks on how he’s using this moment to encourage black creatives on the rise, and to create safe spaces for bettered women and teens. Perry arrived on the Hollywood scene 15 years ago after building his fan-base with the outspoken, no -nonsense grand-mom named “Madea”. Since then, Perry has owned the rights to his work just as he does now. He knew that owning the rights to his work left him with all the power. Now that he’s demonstrated the amount of value that comes with ownership he’s encouraging all black creatives to obtain it.
“I had to own the intellectual property because that is where the value is. That is the thing that changes wealth for generations to come. That will change my son’s future,” the father of a 5-year-old son, Aman, tells EBONY. “I wish more of us, as African-Americans, knew that the value is in ownership, which is the only thing that is going to keep this momentum going. We’re in this great moment in Hollywood where Black is in.”
Aside from encouraging the next generation of African Americans to enter the entertainment industry, Perry also wants to use his power to open up pods on his complex for LGBTQ youth, battered women and those who’ve aged out of foster care.
“That is my next goal,” he shares. “I’ve done a lot of work with charities that have worked with all of these groups, but I want to have a place where I know they are safe.”
Thank you for being an inspiration to many Tyler Perry. Keep up the great work!