Tyler Perry Donates $500,000 To Harlem’s Apollo Theater
Entertainment mogul Tyler Perry always puts his money where his mouth is; the legendary Apollo Theater received the multi-hyphenate’s latest philanthropic effort in Harlem.
According to the theater's official website, it held its annual Spring Benefit on Monday (July 13), to which Perry was presented the Impact Award by The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg. During his acceptance speech, the 52-year-old shared that he would be donating $500,000 to the Apollo to ensure that the iconic building would continue to "grow and thrive."
“When you are honored by a legacy, a history that is as rich as the Apollo, you have to honor that. So what I’m hoping that most of us do is understand how important it is to support these kinds of venues, that we give to these kinds of venues,” Perry said. “‘Cause there’s so much that’s happening in the world where people are trying to erase our history, they don’t want it taught, they don’t want it taught in schools. And you know that’s going on, so it’s so important that we ourselves, and our kids and our people know and remember the history.”
He continued, “ It’s very important to me that we all give and support and with that said I’d like to give a half million dollars to make sure that this place continues to grow and thrive. I want my son to see it, I want your kids to see it, I want all of us. Give it up for the Apollo.”
The Spring Benefit, hosted by Kenan Thompson, raised a record $ 3.7 million, the most it has ever received for its annual event.
Samuel L. Jackson, Phylicia Rashad, Daymond John, Anthony Hamilton and more were in attendance, with performances by The Roots and others.
You can view Tyler Perry’s acceptance speech here.
