Tyler Perry At People’s Choice Awards: ‘Keep Digging. Don’t Stop.’

This has been a year that has seen so much trouble, tragedy, and turmoil. People have had to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, systemic racism, and a contentious presidential election. However, it’s good to hear and feel something positive for a change. Entertainment guru Tyler Perry did just that with his speech at the People’s Choice Awards this past weekend, according to E! Online.

After being introduced by comedian Tiffany Haddish before accepting the People’s Champion award at the 2020 E! People’s Choice Awards on Sunday, Perry gave a rousing speech felt by those who heard and saw it.

“In this world, we’re all digging wells. In our lives, we’re digging wells. We’re digging wells in relationships, where we put all this time and effort and energy and sometimes it doesn’t give us what we need. We put all our time and effort and energy in dreams and business and it doesn’t give us what we were after, but if you just keep digging—my God, if you could just hear me now—keep digging. You may be four inches away from every gift and blessing you ever wanted in your life.

“Had I given up when I was homeless, sleeping in my car, hungry, had I given up these people that you see on the screen right now wouldn’t be part of my dream. There are people tied into your dreams and destiny, and you’re worthy of getting to your goal. Keep digging. Don’t stop,” he continued. “Let me tell you something, listen to me, when you get there, to that water and see it coming and know you have what you need, this is what I want you to always remember—make sure that everybody you run into meets you at your worth. Thank you to all the people who voted for me to have this. I’m really inspired, motivated, moved and I’m going to keep going. God bless you. Make sure people meet you at your worth. I love you.”

Earlier this year, the 51-year-old television and movie mogul became the seventh Black American billionaire, joining tech investor and philanthropist Robert F. Smith, NBA legend Michael Jordan, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, tech founder David Stewart, and hip-hop heavyweights Jay-Z and Kanye West.