Day: June 13, 2021

Source: NBC

The 93rd annual Academy Awards was held on Sunday, April 25th, 2020, and the event had many actors and actresses walking away with the prestigious Oscar trophy. Renowned filmmaker Tyler Perry had one of the most rousing acceptance speeches when he received an honorary Oscar award.

Actress Viola Davis introduced the billionaire director to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for feeding and helping people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 51-year old film mogul recollected the days he was homeless himself. He talked about how experiencing a similar situation motivated him to help others regardless of where they’re from or who they are. Perry mentioned how his mother taught him not to have hate in his heart nor pass blanket judgment on anyone.

Tyler Perry appealed to the global Oscars audience to shun hate and actively participate in uplifting people on the margins.

Perry’s humble beginning is an all-too-familiar story. His rise in Hollywood to building a thriving studio in Atlanta and recently attaining billionaire status are happy endings from a difficult past and upbringing. Tyler Perry picked up life lessons from his mother, who grew up under difficult conditions in Mississippi when civil rights violations were rife, like the murder of Emmett Till in 1955 and the bombings in Alabama in 1960 at the peak of the integration struggle.

“I learned from her not to accept hate and blanket judgment,” Tyler Perry said. “I hope we take measured steps to pass on similar lessons to our children, especially now that there are 24-hour news cycles, social media and algorithms designed to influence our thinking. Our children should learn to refuse hate and accept everybody,” Tyler said with an emotional voice. “It is not enough to hate anyone because they are black, white or Mexican or LGBTQ or even a police officer. I refuse to hate people for those reasons, and I hope everyone scoots the same philosophy. This award is dedicated to anyone who wants to stand in the middle because that’s where conversations that bring about change happen. Anyone who wants to join me in the middle to refuse hate and blanket judgment, this is for you, too,” he continues.

Tyler Perry has been in film and TV for more than two decades. His remarkable rise has made him one of the most successful Black filmmakers and entrepreneurs of all time who has played a role in bringing up many other Black film and television stars.

During his speech at the Oscars, Tyler Perry also states a story about a moment he experienced 17 years ago with a homeless woman. He was producing a project at the time, and a woman was outside the building being used for the location. He was about to give her money when she asked him for a pair of shoes instead. 

Tyler says he was shocked because, at that moment, he remembered a time he had one pair of shoes while being homeless too. “So I walked with the woman to the wardrobe and checked out all the boxes, fabrics and clothes. We found some shoes for her, and immediately she looked up, her eyes welled up with tears and said, ” Thank you, Jesus. My feet are off the ground.”

Image source: Time

While most of the world’s government institutions scoured for solutions to contain the virus during this global health crisis, New Zealand managed to defy the odds by being one of the first countries to declare zero active COVID-19 cases. It was a monumental accomplishment worldwide, placing New Zealand at a high pedestal for everyone to marvel and follow suit. What made this achievement even more exciting was that such a massive upturn was drawn possible by a woman-led government. The astonishing figure who has become an inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic is 37-year-old Jacinda Ardern.

Jacinda Ardern is the third female prime minister of New Zealand who has taken center stage for her colossal contributions during these trying times. She did not only possess the unrelenting ability to contain the virus in New Zealand, but this political powerhouse managed to propel the country’s return to its original state. Her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic have earned countless praises from established authorities across the world, cementing her reputable standing as a prime minister. Ardern currently stands as a source of motivation for numerous leaders and peers across continents.

Hailing from the majestic hillsides of Waikato, New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern had always shown a promising disposition ever since she witnessed poverty at a young age. With a career law enforcement officer turned high commissioner as a father, it sparked Ardern’s interest to enter politics. When this multifaceted personality studied communication studies at the University of Waikato, she began associating herself with political parties, eventually landing her a spot in the Labour Party at 17. After she completed her degree, Ardern became a researcher for the party, which led her to work as a staff for Prime Minister Helen Clark, the second woman to hold New Zealand’s highest government position and Ardern’s first mentor.

Throughout the early years of her political career, Jacinda Ardern was able to gather much experience both in New Zealand and abroad. When she went to Britain in 2005, Ardern worked as an associate director for Better Regulation Executive for two and a half years in the cabinet office of British Prime Minister Tony Blair. In 2007, Ardern was elected as president of the International Union of Socialist Youth, which allowed her to travel across the world.

Ever since she began carving her career, Jacinda Ardern had long been identified as an emerging powerhouse in New Zealand politics. Although she lost a few times to another candidate, Ardern still managed to cement her reputation in Parliament, propelling her name across many leaders and communities. As a result, Ardern led the Labour Party to victory in October 2020, gaining 50% of the votes and 65 out of 120 seats in the House of Representatives.

Her incredible track record speaks for itself. From working as a staff for notable figures to leading the Labour Party, Jacinda Ardern has proven herself worthy of her sterling reputation across the world. She has shown passion and dedication over the years, leading New Zealand to successfully handle the crisis on its own. As Ardern continues to lead the country, she inspires many aspirants to carve a path filled with an unrelenting spirit to serve.

References:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jacinda-Ardern

https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/jacinda-ardern