Tyler Perry Gives Former Inmate Job After He Served 13 Years

BY Erika Marie 11.1K Views
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Tyler Perry
Darrell Hall was sentenced to life for possession with intent to distribute two grams of cocaine.

He may have taken a little flack online after sharing that he writes all of his television shows himself without help from other creatives, but Tyler Perry's good deeds are changing lives. The Tyler Perry Studios mogul has created jobs for thousands of people over the years, but his recent move gave a former inmate hope for his future. A report by Atlanta's 11Alive news states that a 52-year-old man recently released from prison was being stonewalled by employers, that is until Perry decided to give him a chance.

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Back in the 1990s, Darrell Hall was sentenced to life in prison for possession of two grams of cocaine. He served out 13 years before he was released with the help of Fulton County's Conviction Integrity Unit, a project that reexamines past convictions that they believe were excessive given the circumstances involved.

While Hall was thrilled to taste freedom once again, he was finding it impossible to obtain employment. Then, the Fulton County District Attorney's office was notified that Perry was willing to offer Hall a job at his studio and to come in for work on Monday. To prove that he's ready to work, Hall said he's going to go in wearing his work boots.

"I'll say, 'Can I start now? I'll be ready to start." When asked what he wanted to do, Hall wasn't picky. "Anything - I could do a lot of things," he said. "I have a lot of skills. Horticulture, lawn care, cooking skills, janitorial skills." Hall also shared a bit about his time in prison, saying that being away from his loved ones was extremely difficult.

"I always tried to be stern and keep myself upright. I didn't try to fit in with anyone," he said. "Always keep your head up, always look forward. Everybody is not out to get you. Don't always think that everybody is out to get you." Watch clips of this heartwarming story below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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