This past weekend, several of the biggest African-American names in the film and tv industry flocked to Atlanta for the grand opening of Tyler Perry Studios. Nestled in the predominantly Black community of Southwest Atlanta, Tyler Perry has embarked on a historic feat with his new 30-acre film and television production complex. The former airline reservation center lot was far from looking like a nice piece of land. But Tyler Perry envisioned something greater and stated, “I looked at the abandoned buildings and I thought, ‘There’s no way,’ ” Perry said on a film. “Then I saw what I thought was debris on the front gates. I looked closer and realized someone had taped Bible Scriptures on the gate. Then I knew. I jumped in full steam with no fear. Nothing but the grace of God has brought me to this place.”

The multi-million dollar complex is the first of it’s kind owned and operated by an African-American. It houses more than 200,000 square feet of studio and office space.

Below are pictures of some of the big names that came out to show their support. Others in attendance (not shown) were Oprah Winfrey and Stedman, Will Smith, Patti Labelle, Mary J Blige, and many more.


Barry Bonds and wife


Holly Robinson Pete


John Legend


Star Jones


Ruby Dee

Here’s a clip from the event:

(Source: AJC)