LOS ANGELES – Taraji P. Henson is set to receive an honorary AARP Award for her outstanding work in destigmatizing mental health within marginalized communities through her foundation established in memory of her father.
The AARP Purpose Prize ceremony, scheduled for October 1 in Washington, D.C., will honor Henson for her contributions through the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation.
Henson expressed her gratitude for AARP’s acknowledgment of her foundation’s initiatives. She hopes that shedding light on mental health will encourage individuals to openly discuss their struggles and seek help without reservation.
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, launched in 2018, aims to provide mental health resources and support to marginalized communities, promoting a stigma-free environment for seeking help.
Henson emphasized the foundation’s mission to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness.
In collaboration with Alabama State University, Henson’s foundation initiated a mental health wellness program last year. She was recognized by the Ruderman Family Foundation for her advocacy against mental health stigma in 2020.
Aside from her philanthropic endeavors, Henson is a respected actor known for her roles in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “Hidden Figures,” which earned her a Golden Globe award.
Alongside Henson, seven individuals will be honored with the AARP Purpose Prize for their contributions to society through knowledge and experience, receiving $50,000 for each of their organizations.
AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins commended the recipients for their innovative solutions and commitment to addressing pressing social issues.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.