At last night’s BET awards Tyler Perry gave viewers a master class in what it means to build your own platform, own it, and help others cross into the land of opportunity. Regardless of how people critique his plays/movies where he becomes the matriarch, Madea, or disparage the stories that he uses in his movies to show black women their worth, Tyler Perry shows us what it means to help someone across.
In a world of gatekeepers, shady managers, and promise breakers it can be difficult for young black talent to get a leg up. In predominantly white spaces where cultural differences seem insurmountable and the boys club culture is king; black youth often find refuge in working with their older black counterparts; Ones who’ve been around the block once or twice, and are willing to share their knowledge and pass the torch upon their departure from their position. Through these unsung heroes, they gain allies who help them cross the busy streets of corporate America.
What Tyler hinted at in his speech is something that Millennials, and soon Gen Z, looking to learn more about the entertainment world will soon encounter. Both music and film are worlds where having the right person in your corner can be the difference between a high paying, life-changing opportunity, or barely making ends meet between local gigs in your town.
“But While You Fight For a Seat at the table, I’ll be in Atlanta building My Own”
It wasn’t that long ago when #OscarsSoWhite trended across the world highlighting the lack of diverse talent at the long-revered awards show. And while surely they’ve made *small* changes since facing this PR nightmare TP discusses a viable alternative to decrying the Oscars… Build our own shit! You don’t have to fight for a seat at the table you build, and more importantly you can decide who gets to sit with you.
Perry reminds us of the importance of remembering where you are in your career and understanding that your legacy is not just about what you’ve done, but who you’ve helped in the process. Sounds cliche, right? But the best lessons often are.
After all, what use is it to build to your own table if you’re forced to dine alone.
“There are people whose lives are tied into your dreams. Own your stuff. Own your business. Own your way.”
If you haven’t found a good reason to actively network with people, the statement above should suffice. No man is an island and it truly does take a strong team to create something special. Rather than looking at your journey as stark competition with the next woman we should see who among our direct circle has a skill that we need and vice versa. Owning our business comes down to finding key role players and seeing how we can help them become the best versions of themselves while also working toward our own goals; together we find the way, and together we can make change happen.
In a nutshell, Tyler Perry did what a good mentor does and with that speech, we’re sure that he helped somebody across last night — if not with a new movie role, then with the motivation and understanding that they can go out there and get.
Don’t forget to look twice, and when you’re ready, reach back to help someone else cross. The life you bless could invariably be your own.
-Snobhop