Takeaways:
- Tyler Perry delivered a powerful speech calling out Hollywood studios for their silence on cultural erasure.
- He highlighted the impact of Black creatives and emphasized the importance of storytelling and legacy.
- Perry encouraged aspiring talent to “keep making footprints” regardless of obstacles.
- The 2025 BET Awards also featured standout performances by GloRilla, Lil Wayne, and more.
Tyler Perry Calls for Action and Inclusion at 2025 BET Awards
Entertainment mogul Tyler Perry took the spotlight at the 2025 BET Awards, not with a new film or TV series announcement, but with a call to action. Speaking before singer Ledisi performed “BLKWMN,” Perry used his platform to address a larger cultural crisis — the systematic erasure of Black history, stories, and contributions in the United States.
The Madea creator didn’t hold back, sending a strong message to Hollywood studios and to aspiring creatives everywhere: “This is not the time to be silent.”
“Don’t Let Them Erase Our Footprints”
Perry shared a touching anecdote about walking on the beach with his son. When the child said, “I’m walking in your footsteps,” Perry responded, “No, let’s walk together.” The story served as a metaphor for legacy — not just of family, but of culture.
“They are removing our books from libraries, they are removing our stories and our history, they are removing our names from government buildings,” Perry said. “It’s as if someone wants to erase our footprints.”
Yet, in his signature style, Perry turned pain into purpose.
“It’s impossible to erase our footprints because we left them on water,” he added. “We were brought across the ocean and left footprints all the way to America.”
A Direct Message to Hollywood Studios
Beyond poetic metaphor, Perry made a pointed jab at the industry’s power players:
“I have made more Black millionaires than any studio in this city combined,” he said. “Because I’m making footprints.”
The statement served as both a critique and a challenge — pushing studios to invest in underrepresented talent, share opportunities, and stop gatekeeping success.
This bold moment reflects an ongoing conversation about diversity and equity in entertainment, particularly as streamers and traditional studios face scrutiny over inclusion metrics and hiring practices.
A Rallying Cry for Aspiring Actors and Creatives
For the Project Casting audience — actors, producers, writers, crew, and creatives — Perry’s message was clear:
- Keep building.
- Keep dreaming.
- Keep making footprints.
Whether you’re a background actor grinding your way through casting calls or a filmmaker funding your first project, Perry reminded everyone that their presence matters.
“Don’t let anybody stop you. You can do it.”
This kind of motivation is why Perry continues to be a powerful figure in entertainment — both on screen and behind the scenes.
Black Women at the Core of Perry’s Success
In his speech, Perry also gave heartfelt thanks to the Black women who have championed his work from day one.
“Black women have held me down,” he said. “And I appreciate you like you would not believe.”
This acknowledgment aligns with Perry’s long history of creating stories centered around strong, complex Black women — a rarity in mainstream Hollywood that has helped define his career.
BET Awards 2025: Celebration Amid Protest
The 2025 BET Awards, hosted by Kevin Hart at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, didn’t shy away from the broader social climate. The show continued despite ongoing protests over unlawful immigration raids in L.A., showing that entertainment and activism are deeply intertwined.
Highlights from the night included performances by:
- GloRilla
- Lil Wayne
- Teyana Taylor
- Playboi Carti
- Leon Thomas
Kendrick Lamar led the night with 10 nominations, followed by Doechii, Future, GloRilla, and Drake, each earning six.
Why Perry’s Speech Matters for Your Career
For aspiring talent, Perry’s remarks weren’t just inspirational — they were directional. He’s proof that it’s possible to build an empire, uplift your community, and still challenge the system.
As Perry continues to expand his studios and slate of productions, more opportunities will emerge for actors, crew members, writers, and directors — especially those committed to telling authentic, untold stories.
Looking to follow in Tyler Perry’s footsteps?
Stay updated on the latest casting calls, film jobs, and entertainment gigs by visiting ProjectCasting.com. Your next big role might be just one click away.
