RIVER NORTH — Protests against racism and inequality have their place, movie mogul Tyler Perry told African-American students Wednesday. But working hard to be successful is essential, too, he said.
Speaking to 200 upperclassmen from Urban Prep Academies, Perry said mass activism is important but that students must set personal goals and relentlessly pursue them.
Perry visited Urban Prep's office at 420 N. Wabash Ave. on the occasion of the charter school's 10th anniversary. The school operates three campuses in Chicago: in University Village, Bronzeville and Englewood.
Perry admitted to not being as publicly vocal about racial issues as some other entertainers. When controversy erupted over a lack of diversity at the Oscars, Perry said, "I didn't give it a second thought."
Instead, he said he focuses on helping African-Americans through his production company and studio, which employs many minorities and is located in a poor part of Atlanta.
He also said he gets involved in individual cases to make an impact and has been working for years on a Florida case in which two minority men in police custody died.
"My activism is a little quieter than the ones on the street," he said.
Perry added that protests can be effective but that an end goal is needed: "When there's an end goal, a destination, it makes sense to me."
Tyler Perry answers a student's question at a stop at Urban Prep Academies River North office Wednesday. [DNAinfo/Joe Ward]
Asked what students can do to help their communities, Perry said their decision to focus on school and a career can make a difference.
"Just by having the attitude you have, going to school ... dressing like you do. That matters," Perry said.
Urban Prep founder Tim King said he wanted Perry to talk to the students because Perry is an example of how to overcome obstacles. Perry grew up poor in New Orleans and, at one time, was broke and homeless after moving to Atlanta to chase his dreams.
Today, the actor, director and producer not only owns his own production company and studio but also a piece of the Oprah Winfrey Network, Perry said. While in Chicago, he is promoting his newest movie, "Boo! A Madea Halloween" — the latest installment in a comedy franchise that has grossed more than $350 million.
Perry told the students to focus on one goal that highlights their talents or desires — then never stop working to achieve it.
"People told me, 'You're not going to make it. You're poor, you're black,'" he said. "There's a voice in the back of my head that told me they're not right."
Daniel Barksdale, a senior at Urban Prep's Bronzeville Campus, said he related to Perry's upbringing and is inspired by his success.
"It made me excited to see a man like that can do tremendous things," he said. "It was very encouraging."
Tyler Perry takes a group photo with Urban Prep Academies students Wednesday. [DNAinfo/Joe Ward]
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here.
