With Her New Foundation, Taraji P. Henson Wants To Change The Stigma Of Black Mental Health

Taraji P. Henson is proving that not only is the year to be booked and busy with new movie roles, but she is also putting in work within her community. Yesterday (Aug. 13) the actress and philanthropist revealed that she has launched a new foundation specifically geared to the minds of the black community.The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named after her late father, will specifically fight to change the stigma of mental health within the black community. Her foundation—her best friend Tracie Jenkins will serve as the Executive Director—will offer scholarships to black students majoring in mental health, as well as provide mental health services for youth in urban schools.

Her father was the inspiration for this undertaking. According to People, her father, a former veteran battling mental health issues, fought liver cancer up until his passing in 2006 at the age of 58. “I named the organization after my father because of his complete and unconditional love for me; his unabashed, unashamed ability to tell the truth, even if it hurt; and his strength to push through his own battles with mental health issues,” she said. “My dad fought in the Vietnam War for our country, returned broken, and received little to no physical and emotional support. I stand now in his absence, committed to offering support to African Americans who face trauma daily, simply because they are black.”

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation officially launches on Sept. 22 in Los Angeles at her event, Taraji’s Boutique of Hope. Continue doing the work, Ms. Henson.