Tyler Perry“I have a love/love relationship with Atlanta. When I came here in 1992 for Freaknik, I saw things that I never saw in New Orleans. I saw black people doing well. I saw black people going to expensive restaurants. I thought that I had hit the promised land. I packed my Hyundai the next weekend and have been here ever since. The people who have come tonight have paved the way for me. Sidney Poitier taught me that it’s OK to be a black man with class. And one of the greatest things that I have learned from Oprah is to own your life. It comes a time in your life when your dream may not come true when you want it to. Then the dream will take on a life of its own. It will do things that will inspire and encourage you. You will meet people that will encourage you with your dream.”
Sidney Poitier“I came early and my journey took a lot of years. He has taken what was possible in my early days and has shaped it and brought it to us now. This incorporates a great number of actors and actresses. He has built a studio that will focus on black American culture.”
Will Smith “It was very important for me to support Tyler. It’s an American first. There’s something happening in America that’s powerful. He has a dream and he knows what he wants to do. Those are humble, naïve, American concepts that make things like this possible.”
Cicely Tyson“I never dreamed that I would witness this in my lifetime. He had a determination, belief, and focus to work and achieve his dream. He never gave up and he’s making it possible for everyone else to realize their dreams.”
Ruby Dee“Tyler satisfied a great need and black audiences have supported him. It’s been a struggle for a long time. This seems to be a solid new beginning and he’s an important part of what the community needs. He’s at the beginning of his game and he seems so promising.”
Gladys Knight“We should always keep progressing. This is my hometown and I love that Atlanta has always provided opportunities. The fact that Tyler has chosen to come here is amazing. Where he put this studio is a statement.”
Barry Bonds“This is important. I’m very happy for him. What he’s going to do with this studio is amazing. This is a dream come true. There are not too many black Americans who have the power to do this and I think it is a remarkable achievement”
Derek Luke“I think this event speaks for itself. You can never be broke, if you have a dream. When you walk on these grounds, your dreams have possibilities.”
Tasha Smith“This is a celebration of one of the most important men in Hollywood. He’s a blessing to every black child who has dreams. He’s showing us that dreams can come true.”
Malik Yoba“He’s serving his people. This studio means liberation. Oscar Micheaux was doing this in the 1930s so this has always been possible. Five or six guys built Hollywood, so this shows what can happen when you put your mind to something.”
LA Reid “This means that Atlanta continues to grow in a positive way. We’ve had huge success with music and now film and TV will get a shot. Atlanta can now call itself a true Mecca for entertainment. This changes the Atlanta economy in a positive way.”
John Legend“It’s an impressive achievement. He’s very talented and creative and he’s tapped into an underserved market. This studio is evidence of his hard work and success. He came from nothing and had a dream.”
