With his prolific career and numerous creative endeavors over the years, Tyler Perry’s success is a true testament to the power of a dream.

In a recent piece Perry wrote for AARP The Magazine, he spoke about this dedication to seeing the fruition of his dreams, using the one and only Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a point of inspiration.

Perry recalls an early memory of when he was first made aware of MLK, inquiring about a plate with Dr. King’s face placed on his Aunt’s wall—a poignant, humble start to Perry’s triumphant tale. From run-ins with those who try to damper his dreams to the way in which he approaches his work, Perry continues to evoke the lessons and ethos of MLK day after day.

Of the many speeches Dr. King gave, Perry referenced a particular quote that he returns to often: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Utilizing MLK’s words as a rallying cry to push forward each and every day, Perry makes one thing clear—there’s still a lot of work to do, but Dr. King’s wisdom will remain a guiding light within each and every one of us.