By Dawn Fleming
Special to the Tri-State Defender

For 25-plus years, Michael Tabor has been trying to combat negativity and destruction while reaching out to the community. He started out organizing crime prevention rallies in Memphis in 1983. In an effort to draw the community’s attention to crime, he started Word Up Productions in 1989. The production company uses entertainers to help drive Tabor’s non-violence rallies and messages.

Tabor has seen firsthand what can happen when you put your best foot forward and make a change for the better. Admitting that family life hasn’t always been easy, he says that his stepmother is his biggest support and best friend. “We both matured and learned how to accept one another for who we are, and the rocky times, ultimately, helped me to become who I am today.”

Tri-State Defender: What motivates you to do these kinds of movies (bringing crime to the forefront)?

Michael Tabor: I moved here (Memphis) from Chicago in 1975, and from the ages of 15-18, I was on the street, living with different relatives. At 17, I was a father. When I was 19, I landed a job and became a self-made man. I visit the penal farm and talk to the men there and tell them to be responsible for their own actions. I have seen both sides of the law; I have never done anything illegal or been in jail. But being on the streets didn’t stop me from working and rehabilitating myself. I do these types of movies because I have been there myself.

TSD: What is the main message that you want to convey through your work?

MT: Make sacrifices and the result is the blessing.

TSD: What is a little known fact about Dr. Michael Tabor?    

MT: The Memphis Police (Dept) and Sheriff’s Department recruited me to make training tapes in 2004. It was on what you should, and should not do, when you are approached or stopped by the police. The tapes are 30 minutes long . . .  And it is also viewed by Memphis City Schools.

TSD: How did you feel when you learned that pop icon Prince wanted to donate 20,000 to your production company?

MT: I couldn’t believe it. I was happy, Prince kept his word. Most entertainers say they are going to do something and you don’t hear back from them. Every show, I send his management company a copy so Prince can see where his money is going. Prince is a very intelligent man.

TSD: Who all have you worked with?

Michael Tabor (right) in the movie “Second Chance”

MT:  I worked with Judge Joe Brown, gave him his TV. Start. . . .  I also worked with M.C hammer, James Brown, Black Street, and R. Kelly.

TSD: What are the names of the productions that you have done before “Second Chance?

MT:  “Good vs. Evil,” “Last Page,” “Calling Jesus,” “Street Soldier.” “‘Reality,” “Crack head,” “Homeless Christmas,” “Rent a Reindeer,” “Barbara’s Touch,” “Extreme Pizza” and “Second Page.” You have to be versatile and be able to do different formats in this business.

TSD: Who inspires you to do the work that you do in the community?

MT: People dying on the streets and blaming the white man for everything. The government rewards black women for being single mothers. It is set up to where the family can’t stay together. If the man is in the home, then the family can’t get the proper benefits. The woman is left to be a single mother. Decent jobs are going overseas and all that’s left here are temp service jobs with no insurance. Bring labor jobs back with good benefits and maybe that would fix some of these broken homes. And, again, I have been there so I am able to show someone that they can make it if they chose to make the right choices.

TSD: What is your current production “Second Chance” about?

MT: Thirty-one year-old Ricky, a felon who couldn’t read or write and a homeless girl who lost her parents in a fire. They come together, and by doing this, they give one another a second chance. Blacks don’t have to always be portrayed as negative. All blacks don’t want to be gangsta rappers or pimps. A lot of people are watching these movies and acting them out. They are not able to separate fact from entertainment. When the directors say ‘cut’ the actors go back to their homes and family. Many times people try to act these movies and end up in jail. When I first started it ( productions), I tried to do 70 percent message and 30 percent  entertainment but now it is 70 percent entertainment and 30 percent message. That’s how the audience grabs it (the message).

IF YOU GO: “Second Chance” is showing at Studio on the Square on December 3, 2009. Showings are 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Dr. Tabor is also having a free toy give-away. You can get a toy for a child or a gift for a senior citizen in need with purchase of a ticket.  For information, contact Dr. Michael Tabor at 901-859-0751