TARAJI FOR WELLNESS
Taraji P. Henson, the award-winning actress known for her powerhouse performances, is leveraging her influence beyond the silver screen. Through her non-profit organization, the Boris L. Henson Foundation (BLHF), Henson is tackling a critical issue within the Black community: mental health awareness and accessibility.
The BLHF’s “Joy Joints” campaign, a recent initiative spearheaded by Taraji P. Henson, serves as a testament to this mission. Launched in October 2023, the campaign aimed to combat loneliness, a growing public health concern highlighted by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. It offered a month-long series of events, including wellness walks, double dutch tournaments, card games, and karaoke nights, fostering connection and joy within the Black community.
However, the impact of Taraji P. Henson’s work extends far beyond a single month. The “Joy Joints” campaign culminated in a 1920s-themed fundraiser held in October 2023 at the Planet Word Museum in Washington D.C. This event not only celebrated community but also served as a crucial fundraising effort. Taraji P. Henson, a tireless advocate for mental health resources, spoke to BET.com about the driving force behind the Boris L. Henson Foundation (BLHF). She explained that the foundation was born from a powerful urge: “the need to do something to help save [Black people].” This mission is reflected in the BLHF’s “One Million Hours Joy Challenge,” an ambitious initiative aiming to provide one million hours of free mental health services to the Black community over the next five years.
THE BENSON LAWRENCE HENSON FOUNDATION
The BLHF isn’t just aiming for lofty goals; it’s actively making a difference. Indeed, Tracie Jade Jenkins, executive director of the foundation and Henson’s close collaborator, confirmed they are meeting their targets and positively impacting lives. Furthermore, this success is further evidenced by Darnell Perkins, a DC-area philanthropist, who stated that the BLHF fundraiser was the clear choice for his night, recognizing it as a “North Star” in mental wellness for the Black community.
Taraji P. Henson understands the importance of joy in fostering mental well-being. Spirit, a licensed psychotherapist and BLHF board member, joins Henson in championing joy as a powerful motivator for Black people. Spirit asserts, “Without joy, we have no hope. Without hope, we have no health, and everything is tied to how we feel. “It all begins with mental health and wellness.” This sentiment resonated throughout the fundraiser, where attendees danced the night away in the spirit of the 1920s, exuding joy and hope.
TARAJI’S VISION
Henson and Jenkins haven’t limited their efforts to single events. The BLHF strategically partners with organizations that share their vision. A prime example is the collaboration with luxury brand Kate Spade New York, which recently sponsored a second installment of “She Cares Wellness Pods” on various HBCU campuses. These pods offer safe spaces for Black college women to access therapy sessions, wellness practices like yoga and dance therapy, and workshops on managing stress this initiative furthermore emphasizes Henson’s commitment to mental health across all age groups.
The BLHF is a powerful force for positive change. By fostering connections, promoting joy, and providing essential resources, Taraji P. Henson and her team are working tirelessly to ensure the mental well-being of the Black community. With strong partnerships and a clear vision, the BLHF is poised to make a lasting impact.
