Tyler Perry brought the audience to it’s feet last night as he rendered one of the most impactful speeches ever, at the 2019 BET Awards.

The writer, producer, and  director was honored with BET’s Ultimate Icon Award. Taraji P. Henson, who has appeared in some of Perry’s films including The Family That Preys (2008), I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009) and Acrimony (2018), presented him with the award.

In his powerful speech, Perry talked about how he grew up in an abusive household and that often, to make his mother laugh, he would imitate the women she played cards with. He also stated that those experiences allowed him to create his first 10 movies.

“That moment reminded me of my mother, bringing out of her pain with laughter, helping her cross,” he said. He added that he created those films in hopes of letting his mother know “she’s worthy, to let black women know you are worthy, you are special, you are powerful, you are amazing. All of that that was about helping her cross.”

He also spoke about building his Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta and giving many African-American actors like Taraji P. Henson, Idris Elba and Viola Davies their big break, at a time when they couldn’t get acting gigs in mainstream Hollywood.

One major highlight from his speech was when he said:

“It’s all about trying to help somebody cross. While everybody else is fighting for a seat at the table, talking about ‘#OscarsSoWhite, #OscarsSoWhite,’ I said, ‘Y’all go ahead and do that. While you’re fighting for a seat at the table, I’ll be down in Atlanta building my own.’ Because what I know for sure is that if I could just build this table, God will prepare it for me in the presence of my enemies.”

Tyler Perry’s speech was met with a standing ovation. Watch his powerful speech in the video below:

Hard work really does pay off. We are so pumped right now by this speech! Our major takeway is this: If they don’t open the door for you then build a freaging door of your own Queens! Yassss

Kunle is an actor, model and entrepreneur. After a short stint studying Fisheries and Wildlife Management in university, he decided to study filmmaking at NewYork Film Academy after discovering his passion for acting, filmmaking and directing. He started acting professionally in 2011 after winning the reality TV show, Gulder Ultimate Search.

From then on, Kunle has featured in many award-winning Nollywood films such as Tiwa’s Baggage, Sobi’s Mystic, Falling, etc. He has also starred in several TV series, including Tinsel, Lagos Cougars Reloaded, Africa Magic’s Forbidden and a bunch of others.

Regarding his modeling career, he has featured in numerous ad campaigns for brands such as Zain Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, DSTV and Diamond.

In 2018, he was nominated for the City People Movie Award for Best Supporting Actor of the year.

Kunle is also an active advocate for Men Against Rape & Violence (MARV). MARV is a collection of actors, models and youth ambassadors, who speak out against rape, child molestation and violence against women.

We applaud you Kunle!