Tyler Perry Donates $1 Million To The NAACP

the NAACP's million dollar man

I may not be a fan of his films, but I give Tyler Perry much respect for his million dollar donation to the NAACP.

His gift is the largest ever from an individual artist and comes as the organization celebrates its 100 year anniversary.

This is significant on two levels. As seen by the ACLU’s recent announcement that their budget has been reduced by 25 percent because of the loss of a single donor , advocacy organizations are facing financial challenges as a result of the economic crisis. Perry’s gift serves as a reminder that now is a time when funds are badly needed so these organizations may continue to do their work.

More interestingly, Perry’s decision makes one wonder why other wealthy black people aren’t following in his footsteps.

The question of whether successful black business people, entertainers, academics, and athletes have a responsibility to build and support community organizations has been debated for decades. They would appear to be an obvious source of funding for legal, cultural and political efforts to uplift African-Americans, yet many decline to do so.

Their reluctance usually comes down to one of two things: a desire to appear non-threatening in order to enhance their commercial appeal or a belief that they do not owe anything to the community (this is known as the “I got mine, you need to get yours” mentality).

These issues also exist within the gay community. Many “A-list” LGBTs seem to only speak out on behalf of the community when it serves their financial or public relations interests.

Individuals have the right to allocate their energy and resources as they see fit, so it’s impossible to demand that people become philanthropists or activists.

However, I do find it sad that more people in Perry’s position do not take heed to the saying “to whom much is given, much is required” and willingly step up to the plate to strengthen the communities they come from.