Tyler Perry Treats 65 Swimming Pool Excluded Kids To Disney World

PHILADELPHIA — Tyler Perry is paying for 65 children from a Philadelphia day camp to go to Walt Disney World after reading about allegations that a suburban swim club had shunned them because of racism.

The black and Hispanic children who attend the day camp run by Creative Steps Inc. cheered Monday when they learned about the actor's gift.

Creative Steps director Alethea Wright says she's thrilled about the offer, especially because Perry "comes from humble beginnings" like the children in her camp.

The Valley Club in Huntingdon Valley has maintained that refunding the camp's swimming fee was not about race but rather a safety issue, in part because many children couldn't swim.

Perry is best known for his signature character Madea, a big-hearted but foul-tempered grandmother.

___

Information from: WPVI-TV, http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi

Comments

[Noland]

This story should return to the headlines considering the current situation with Prof. Gates. Why isn't anyone talking about the fact that this story has been sweep under the rug? What was the outcome with the overt racism these children experienced first hand and without any grey area as in the Gates case.

[cybrarian75x]

I was also saddened to learn that the children were locked out of the swimming pool. Tyler Perry's willingness to send the children on a Disney Vacation will always be remembered with pleasure.
As a teacher in inner city schools for decades, I know the importance of the power of words. Unkind words can harm. Arthur Ashe spoke of the innuendos was well, which he found hurtful. But kind words and kind deeds are healers. It is the Bible that tells us we must never "weary of well doers."

So I thank Mr. Perry for doing God's work. Fortunately, as a NYC Public School educator, I have found that there are many great organizations which are willing to cheer for children, notably: Donors Choose,New York Liberty, NY Yankees, USTA, White Plains Parks and Recreation Dept.,Sportimes, and Pilot Penn. And lest we forget, our teachers, like the union they represent, have become the best advocates for children . Together they make personnel investments in a future that is not their own . It was Dr. King who reminded us that” we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”Press on. Adelante.

[blastit]

Here is what I don't get about the racist swimming pool people, I don't care if they are racist they can be anyway they choose, but since they had already made a prior commitment to let these kids swim would it have killed them to just follow through, Unfortuantly many people who join country clubs do so for the exclusivity, they probably didn't like the fact that these under privilage kids was running around as snobby and shallow as that is..so be it. but would it have killed them just for oneday to let these kids swim, its not their fault that this country club didn't prepare for them. The country club members could have taken up their complaints with management and saw to it that it didn't happen again, I just think people who are that shallow are patheic and sad really!

[Alarmist]

Thank you Tyler Perry!

[Genius]

This was my experience growing up.
I didn't think I was a pretty little girl, but my dad always made me feel special. When I got to the teenage years we moved from a mixed race neighborhood into what I considered snob city. My classmates were high class rich little b*****s. That was brutal for me.
I must say that I am a white woman, just so you understand my perspective.
When I went to work and discussed the womens volley ball team victory in the 80's or 90's? Nobody knew the stars name, they just knew her as that tall black lady.
Do you know her name? I'll never forget it.


NAILS IN THE FENCE, look it up, it's a good read..

[ILBucki]

Wow, look at all those quick to label this as racism. This was a private club, I understand from the article. They can set their own rules. And I suspect the racism charges went flying when the kids were asked to leave. Of course it HAD to be racism. Now, where was Tyler Perry when my kids were asked to leave a school swim club because I would not, and could not, afford yet another 2 competition swimsuits for my kids? Dirty little secret is that coaches get a percentage of the suit sales from certain companies. So, when I balked, my kids were asked to leave! Too bad I could not scream racism. In my case, and I suspect in the Philly case, it is not racism, but classism.

[harriettubman]

Since when do private clubs and their rules allow them to call children the "N" word? Or make racial remarks to any child? Hispanic children were called names too. Evidently you didn't see this story explained on the news by the day care director. This was BLATANT racism.

[kevaowens]

Classism, racism- either one you choose to call it -the fact remains that it was wrong. It may be a private club but when they accepted the check for $1,950, did they not consider that they're "upper crust" patrons may not want a lot of under priveleged youths of other races swimming with their children. Bad morals, bad business sense, raw deal for the kids, period.

[Stronger1]

what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man!
~God Bless

[slj316]

That was a good thing that Tyler Perry did. What that swim club did to those children was wrong and their after the fact excuse was lame. I'm hoping in the future that some prominent Philly people such as Donovan McNabb and Ryan Howard build those kids a swimming pool with all the amenities so that they won't get turned away by some uptight WASPs.

[luzzp25]

thank you Tyler Perry - being born black is NOT a birth defect - being racist is OR having racists for parents is! There are lots of chains to be broken - ignorance and fear are at the top of the list!

[ToyBay98]

Mr. Perry is a wonderful man for that gift. Tyler is someone who never forgets where he comes from. God will keep blessing him.

[monicaangela]

Tyler Perry was actually homeless at one time in his life. He's suffered much, but also has had great success lately, you're right, he doesn't forget where he came from, and it is a wonderful thing he is doing to help make these children feel special. On the other hand, who ever heard of a swim club turning an entire camp away because some of them couldn't swim? I would think anyone calling themselves running a swim club would want to make sure everbody learned how to swim, at least everyone they come into contact with, what a lame excuse.

[Lurker50]

That is just their excuse after the fact. They could care less if those kids could swim I doubt they even ask the question.

[Promote]

Give to the least of these ! Tyler Perry , Peace & Blessings !

[Conservador-Rebelde]

Is it just me, or does Tyler Perry look more and more like a woman every day?

[Conservador-Rebelde]

Kidding aside, that sure is a nice gesture of him.

[saltandwater]

I say "high five" to Tyler Perry! Makes me want to cry.
I wish every time kids were subjected to racism or blatant hatred someone could up stage it with one big "up yours", just like this. Right on, Perry!

[lmvd3]

Wow. I never took this guy seriously at all. Oh, how my mind has changed. This is one guy with OUTSTANDING character. I'm a huge new fan.

[martiniandabotoxchaser]

I hope that the club didn't reject the children due to their race or social status. Really, didn't they know this would be picked up by the media.