Tyler Perry is treating the 65 day campers who were ejected from the Philadelphia-area Valley Swim Club to the vacation of a lifetime. Perry is stepping in to help heal the scars and hearts of the kids, who believe they were rejected because they were "too dark to swim." Here's what Perry had to say:
Since you all have put me in the position to be able to do something, I feel like by me doing this, we are all doing it together.
So what I did was on Aug 1st through the 3rd, I'm sending these kids to Disney World and then to a Disney water park. I want them to know that for every act of evil that a few people will throw at you, there are millions more who will do something kind for them. This is all about the kids. So, thank you for letting me do this. Thank you so much.
Source: TylerPerry.com
Six Degrees of Tyler Perry
Six Degrees of Tyler Perry
In just three years, Tyler Perry has become the toast of Hollywood. Could you name another director black or white who can boast of having released six feature movie projects within a three year period? Nope. Not only did the New Orleans native write all of the storylines for the films, he starred in four. Combined, five of the films have grossed upwards of $250 million worldwide, some within budgets below $6 million. And with the major money train also comes associating with some of the biggest names in and out of the entertainment business. BlackVoices.com takes an introspective look at how a former homeless man turned chit'lin circuit theater czar has connections to the likes of Michael Jackson, Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Will Smith, to name a few. Check out Six Degrees of Tyler Perry.
Tyler Perry
The best-selling playwright turned Hollywood hot-shot (real name: Emmitt R. Perry, Jr.) was born Sept. 14, 1969 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ray Nagin
Another New Orleans native, Ray Nagin, Jr. was elected into the office of Mayor of the Crescent City on March 6, 2002.
Labelle
Known as the music capitol of the Gulf Coast, New Orleans was also the setting for 'Lady Marmalade,' a hit song from 1970s glam-soul trio Labelle, comprised of Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sara Dash.
Lenny Kravitz
Modern day rock & roll demigod Lenny Kravitz is one of the top-notch talents chosen to produce Labelle's long-awaited reunion album, 'Back to Now,' due out later this year via Verve Records.
Lisa Bonet
'The Cosby Show' and 'A Different World' star Lisa Bonet eloped with Lenny Kravitz in November 1987. Their daughter Zoe Isaballe Kravitz was born the next year. The couple separated in 1991.
Gary Dourdan
'C.S.I.' actor Gary Dourdan played Cree Summer's character's love interest Shazza Zulu on the NBC sitcom 'A Different World,' which was originally developed as a spin-off vehicle for Lisa Bonet. The Philadelphia native appeared on 13 episodes from 1991 to 1992.
Janet Jackson
Gary Dourdan also played the love interest of Janet Jackson in the music video for her chart-topping ballad, 'Again,' in 1993.
Tyler Perry
Janet Jackson starred in the lead role of Tyler Perry's box office smash, 'Why Did I Get Married?' The twice divorced pop star won an NAACP Image Award for her performance.
Ruben Cannon
One of the most respected executives in Hollywood, Ruben Cannon has served as a casting director of film and TV projects dating all the way back to 1977. He co-executive produced Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married?'
And Perry continues:
And do me a favor please. When you see these kids coming through the airport (I'm sure you won't be able to miss them; I imagine they are going to be superexcited), when you see them in the park and in the hotel, let's show them a whole lot of love and respect. Show them that they are just as good as anyone else. And show them that they can do or be anything they want to be no matter what anyone says! Source: TylerPerry.com
It's nice to see Perry use his considerable wealth and cultural power to get directly involved in a situation that moved him. I hope this vacation expands the notion of possibility in the minds of the day campers and helps them understand that they are worthy of all the best the world has to offer.
Comments: (1205)
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By: netta2630 on 7/23/2009 5:31AM
I know what your saying, I am Half mixed and I am soooo sick and tired of the whole blame game... I find it more affensive that AOL has a "black Voices" page but what about other races...?
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By: Maxo Rally on 7/21/2009 2:49PM
This an amazing gift from Tyler Perry I cannot believe this sort racism still exists in this day of age!! Matt From Barbados
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By: Katie on 7/22/2009 2:52PM
I am so tired of hearing that it's all the dark skinned people that get the slack- The truth of the matter is that If you don't fit the middle to upper class expectations- you get the same horrible slack!!
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By: Heather Kendel on 7/22/2009 2:54PM
Hello has anyone bothered to watch the movie Pride, after what Jim Ellis did for Philidelphia, and those first swimmers on that team the city and those around it should be ashamed of what happened. I love Tyler Perry and his kindness does not come as a surprise. Now that is what being a role model is!!!!!
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By: marie on 7/22/2009 2:57PM
It just goes to show you - had these kids been white no one would have stepped in to help. As soon as racism comes into play, the true story is never told, it's really getting old.
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By: cmerich on 7/22/2009 3:02PM
I am soooooooo proud to be black in America today.
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By: chrdor on 7/23/2009 3:25PM
max rally,open your eyes!
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By: david guy on 7/22/2009 4:59PM
youre absolutely right no way would they not let 65 kids swim in a pool with only 2 lifeguards that would be unsafe it had to be a racial issue.but of course they knew it was a predominately black daycare when they invited them.so whats your argument to that?
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By: Jenn on 7/22/2009 5:18PM
I also live in Philly, and though I would say that this is not a reflection on Philadelphia and the surrounding areas as a whole. It was NOt just a miss understanding. The memebers of the swim club were being racist and the club was being cowardly. I am so glad the Mr Perry is doing this really incredible thing. Have a great trip kids!!!!
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By: Sly Boogie on 7/22/2009 5:58PM
Unfortunately, racism is something that society will have to deal with until the end. It's neccessary for the powers that be to maintain the status-quo. There is no such thing as a color blind society no matter how good it sounds.
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