Tyler Perry's star-studded Black Hollywood weekend
Tyler Perry attends 'A Madea Family Funeral'01:28
(CNN)Atlanta has come to be known as "Black Hollywood" because of Tyler Perry and this past weekend he really made it happen.
The media mogul opened a 330-acre filming complex in the Fort McPherson area that drew just about every major African-American star.
A gala event Saturday included celebs such as Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé, her husband Jay-Z, Cicely Tyson, Sidney Poitier, director Ava DuVernay, and so many others.
Naturally there were plenty of Instagrams to mark the huge celebration for the $250 million studio.
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@tylerperry I am so grateful to have witnessed Black Excellence, History, and Greatness! The ground we stood on, the room! And EVERYTHING this Lot represents! I am humbled, inspired, and so encouraged! Thank You for being a force! ❤️So beyond grateful for you❤️ #whatanightitwas
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Tonight was beyond amazing! Shocked, Humbled & Grateful explain how I'm feeling at the moment. If you weren't inspired after this experience tonight something has to be wrong with you! @tylerperry watching you honor powerhouse legends in this industry was beautiful. But for you to include me in the gesture really blew me away. Sir I thank you again. For not only everything you've been to me but everything you are to all. It's amazing to watch you make strides! Thank you for my star on your studio grounds!
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I had such an amazing time witnessing such a timeless moment. You are an inspiration to the world, to keep dreaming. I'm so proud of you @tylerperry! I love you and congratulations! ❤️ #tylerperrystudios #imaginethis
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Last night was surreal - Overwhelmed with pride for @tylerperry, creator of the first black-owned major film studio in our HISTORY. To have shared in this moment in some small way, standing beside the most iconic talent in celebration of his accomplishment, was an absolute honor that I will never forget. Last night Tyler dared us to dream a bigger dream for ourselves, and today I dare each of you to do the same!
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"I am so grateful to have witnessed Black Excellence, History, and Greatness!" Kelly Rowland posted on photos showing her at the event. "The ground we stood on, the room! And EVERYTHING this Lot represents! I am humbled, inspired, and so encouraged! Thank You for being a force!"
The studio, which contains 12 sound stages named for esteemed black performers, was built on a site that served as a Confederate army base during the American Civil War.
Being surrounded by so much history and so many legendary stars moved Rowland's fellow Destiny's Child member Beyoncé, who also paid tribute to Perry on social media.
Perry became the first African-American to open his own studio in 2006, which was at another location in Atlanta.
But the new complex marks a major achievement for the man who started out as a struggling playwright who at times was homeless.
Since then, Perry has become a noted actor, producer and director, whose 20 films have grossed more than $900 million domestically.
The weekend included a Sunday service and brunch, which also drew a bevy of stars.
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#ImagineThis Headed for a triple dose of inspiration this morning! Still celebrating @tylerperry and the opening of @tylerperrystudios! It's absolutely breathtaking!! ——————————- I thought I'd wear @houseofchapple this mornTing!! @bflyyexperience and @colordujour woke me up earrrrrrrly this mo'nin!! @stylistjbolin thank you for pushing me!! @anrfashions @_mekstyles_ @noir.funk @alyshaantoinette DREAM TEAM!! ———————— Photography: @dreanicolephotography ❤️📸
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When you're scrolling through IG and see yourself in @ava story WOW 🙌🏽 grateful to be apart of this historic and epic moment Thank you @tylerperry and Cassie Davis and I love singing with my girl Rhonda Davis from Mississippi Mass #TASHA #colorPurple #TylerPerry #Oprah #ImagineThis #TylerPerryStudios
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"Headed for a triple dose of inspiration this morning!" singer Michelle Williams, the third member of Destiny's Child Instagrammed, showing off her Sunday best. "Still celebrating @tylerperry and the opening of @tylerperrystudios! It's absolutely breathtaking!!"
Perry purchased part of the decommissioned Fort McPherson in 2015.
His new studio is now one of the largest in the country and he told the Atlanta Journal Constitution he plans to further develop the area with restaurants and retail shops in hopes of making the studio a destination in the community.
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