Mental health is a very important topic that remains untouched in Black families across the nation. Taraji P. Henson is no longer remaining quiet about it.
Taraji is launching the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her late father. The foundation will provide scholarships to Black students majoring in mental health studies. It will also offer mental health services to youth in urban schools and work to lower the recidivism rates of African-American men and women.
Henson made a statement to People talking about why she named the foundation after her dad.
“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,”
On Sept. 22 in Los Angeles Taraji will launch the foundation with an event called Taraji’s Boutique of Hope. All funds raised at the event will help provide resources to increase mental health support in urban schools. They will also partner with school districts help to provide mental health therapists, social workers and counselors to African-American children in need and other nonprofit organizations that offer mental health wellness programs as well.
The foundation’s executive director Tracie Jenkins said, “BLHF is breaking the silence by speaking out and encouraging others to share their challenges with mental illness and get the help they need,”“African-Americans have regarded such communication as a sign of weakness and our vision is to change that perception.”
This is such a great idea and hopefully schools nationwide will adopt this idea.
If you want to find out more about BLHF visit www.borislhensonfoundation.org
