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Tyler Perry, Mayor And White House Hold Minority Forum

ATLANTA,None — Movie actor Tyler Perry, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and a White House representative were at the Woodruff Arts Center trying to empower minorities.

They're leading a forum called Urban Entrepreneurship.

Perry called Atlanta his is “promised land.” This is where he came to make his dreams come true.

Perry joined the mayor and a White House representative to inspire minorities in Atlanta to rise up to the challenge of running a business.

"You have to be as good and a little bit better than everyone else," Perry said.

In an attention-demanding, passionate speech, Perry told his story about his rise to fame to a sold-out crowd.

He said success is about honoring your dream, listening to God and working hard.

"It's about no matter where you come from, no matter what you're going through, keep it alive, keep it going, don't stop," Perry told the crowd.

The Urban Entrepreneurship forum was sponsored by the city and the White House.

Atlanta, it was said, was the best and only choice for this.

"I love this town. This has been the promise land for me," Perry told Channel 2’s Amanda Cook.

"It's a cornerstone for entrepreneurship happening here, not seeing it in other places around the country. Forbes says this is the number one place for urban entrepreneurs," White House representative Michael Blake said.

With statistics showing the racial wealth gap is now the largest it’s ever been, the mayor said the time for this is now.

"We want to inspire people so they are encouraged because I believe the future of great cities are where creative and smart people will be," Reed said.

The overriding message at the forum was to get your dollars, follow your dream.

"Keep it locked in your heart. Protect it. But always follow it, " Perry said.