Vibe.com Reports
With Thanksgiving approaching, Tyler Perry has started the spirit of giving and saying thanks in the right way--donating $1 million to the NAACP.
The generous donation, which is the largest given by a single person to the long-standing civil rights organization, will be paid over four years, to celebrate the non-profit's centennial anniversary, the NAACP said in a statement.
"I continue to be thankful for the tireless work of the NAACP, and I am proud to be able to help in their mission to fight for the equality of all people, and to work towards the elimination of discrimination against race," Perry said. "Had it not been for the perseverance and vision of the thousands who came before me in the 100 years of this legendary organization, I would not be in the position I am in today.
According to NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous, Perry's contribution will go toward Second Century Society advocacy programs on economic equality, education, health care and criminal justice.
"Tyler Perry exemplifies an unyielding commitment to uplifting and bringing hope to the disenfranchised and those less fortunate," stated Jealous. "Both in his films and in his life, he reflects an impressive ethos of caring and conscientiousness. We are deeply grateful for his support."
"We are honored that Tyler Perry chose to support the NAACP," said Julian Bond, Chairman of the NAACP. "Tyler is a courageous pioneer in bringing positive images of African-American culture and struggles to the screen. His remarkable journey from poverty and childhood abuse to become one of the world's most successful filmmakers and entrepreneurs is an inspiration to us all."
After dropping I Can Do Bad All By Myself and Madea Goes To Jail this year, Perry will release the Janet Jackson-starring Why Did I Get Married Too in April. The movie is the sequel to 2007's Why Did I Get Married. --Jamal Munnerlyn
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