At the 2025 BET Awards, Tyler Perry made a sly jab at the film studios.
Prior to performing “BLKWMN,” Ledisi took a moment to tell a brief anecdote about himself and his son strolling along the beach. His kid stated, “I’m walking in your footsteps,” to which he replied, “I said, ‘No, let’s walk together.'” After we reached the end of the beach, he turned to look behind him and noticed all of his tracks.
I say that to you tonight because I want to discuss something that is going on in our country with you and I want you to listen. “Don’t miss it,” Perry said. They are taking away our history, our stories, and our books from libraries. They are also taking away our names from government buildings. It seems as though someone wishes to remove our traces.
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“But the truth is that we left our footprints on water, so it’s impossible to erase them,” the billionaire continued. That is to say, we were taken from our lands, transported over the sea, and left our mark all the way to America.
“Now is the time to dig in and keep leaving footprints everywhere you go—this is not the time to be silent, this is not the time to give up,” Perry declared. The author of Madea’s Family Reunion then targeted Los Angeles film studios.
“If you listen to me, I have created more Black millionaires than any studio in this city combined,” he claimed. “Because I’m leaving my mark.” Therefore, I don’t care if you’re having trouble making it, attempting to start a business, or have a dream; just keep leaving your mark. You can succeed, so don’t allow anyone stop you.
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Perry also acknowledged Black women for their support of his work over the years earlier in his remarks. “I consider my amazing audience, which consists of both men and women, but believe me when I say that Black women have supported me and I am incredibly grateful for you,” he continued.
With ten nominations, Kendrick Lamar led the list going into Monday night. Future, GloRilla, Doechii, and Drake were all in close pursuit, each with six nominations. Alongside Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, Playboi Carti, and Leon Thomas, the “Yeah Glo!” rapper also performed that evening.
The 2025 BET Awards were presented by Kevin Hart at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Despite the continuing demonstrations against illegal immigration raids in Los Angeles, a BET representative affirmed on Sunday that the ceremony would go as scheduled.
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