Tyler Perry is Funding a $500,000 Effort To Mobilize Black Voters In Florida

Entertainment mogul Tyler Perry is flexing his financial muscle into Florida politics to help target Black voters in the battleground state ahead of the upcoming Nov. 3 presidential election, according to BET.

Perry is helping to fund a $500,000 mobilization effort in Florida that will be targeting Black voters in the key battleground state. The philanthropist has partnered with a nonpartisan Florida organization, the Equal Ground Education Fund, to help it increase engagement among Black voters in the southern state. The initiative, “Park & Praise,” will target 25 counties and around 250,000 Black residents in urban areas that will include Broward and Miami-Dade County.

They’ve made an announcement on their Facebook page about the initiative.

“Equal Ground is excited about our partnership with many partners, Florida Churches, and civic organizations who are making intentional strides and contributions to turn Black voters out ahead of the election. Our top [priority] is to make sure elections are fair and accessible for all voters and to ensure Black votes aren’t diluted by voter suppression tactics. We’ll meet you at the polls.”

“A national pandemic, racial tensions, blatant disregard for Black bodies, and a presidential election that can’t be won without the votes of Black folks have shaped the way we connect with voters,” said Jasmine Burney-Clark, founder of the Equal Ground Education Fund.

“Despite Florida’s historical disenfranchisement of Black voters, our voices will be heard whether we vote by mail or early. Our work to provide robust voter education and ensure that accurate information reaches our communities is the highest priority and is exactly what this partnership with Tyler Perry is going to do.”

“Park & Praise” will also hold various events for people to drop off their absentee ballots while enjoying the sounds of gospel choirs, musical acts, and faith-based leaders. The intention is to bring the “Souls to the Polls” model following social distancing guidelines amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.