Photo by Shayan Asgharnia, People

In a powerful essay published in People Magazine, Tyler Perry has written down his thoughts surrounding the death of George Floyd and his hopes for what comes next. He reflects on the pain and injustice endured by generations of black Americans before him, the racism he himself has faced, and the fear he holds for the future of his five-year-old son. The essay concludes with a lesson and a message of hope that comes from a powerful and still unextinguished desire to see a new morning in America.

An emotional Perry also recorded the deeply personal piece in a video that runs 8 minutes and 46 seconds.