WASHINGTON — Actor and D.C. native Taraji P. Henson returned home on Tuesday to celebrate the five-year anniversary of her mental health nonprofit organization, the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named in honor of her dad.
Henson is on a mission to better mental health in the Black community by raising awareness through programs, education and finding joy.
"Just choosing joy is a form of taking care of your mental wellness. It doesn't even have to be going to a therapist. I pray every person on the planet finds that therapist who can help them find breakthroughs and give them the tools to survive. But at the end of the day, sometimes you can do the work yourself," she said.
The anniversary celebration was held at D.C.'s Planet Word Museum.
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation was founded in 2018 by Henson in honor of her father, who faced mental health challenges unsupported upon his return from the Vietnam War. The goal was to empower people to embrace history through collective healing.
"As the pioneering Black mental health advocacy group, BLHF connects you with culturally relevant therapy and integrated wellness modalities through our network of esteemed clinicians, providers, counselors, wellness practitioners, and thought leaders with a deep understanding of the unique needs of communities of Color," the organization's website says.
For more information on BLHF, click here.