Renowned actor Taraji P. Henson is set to be honored with an honorary AARP Award for her exceptional work in eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health within marginalized communities. The award, presented by the AARP Purpose Prize, will be bestowed upon Henson during a ceremony on October 1 in Washington, D.C.
Henson's commendable efforts stem from her foundation, the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, established in honor of her father. The foundation, launched in 2018, aims to provide mental health resources and support to marginalized communities, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear or shame.
Having witnessed her father's struggles with untreated mental health issues following his return from the Vietnam War, Henson is dedicated to destigmatizing mental illness. She expressed gratitude for AARP's recognition, hoping that it will shine a light on mental health discussions and promote a culture of openness and acceptance.
Notably, Henson's foundation collaborated with Alabama State University on mental health wellness initiatives and was previously honored by the Ruderman Family Foundation for its impactful work in combating mental health stigma.
Other AARP Purpose Prize Recipients
Aside from Henson, seven individuals will also be recognized with the AARP Purpose Prize for their contributions to society:
- Jon Elden of Oakland, founder of After Innocence, providing post-release support for wrongfully convicted individuals.
- Robert Elkin of Dallas, creator of March to the Polls, promoting electoral participation in underrepresented communities.
- Renee Fluker of Detroit, founder of the Midnight Golf Program, offering life skills and mentorship to high school seniors.
- Gemma M. Garcia of Miami, founder of Ladies Empowerment and Action, empowering women with wraparound services.
- Jennifer Jacobs of Falls Church, Virginia, founder of Connect Our Kids, aiding children in foster care to stay connected.
- Jim Ansara of Beverly, Massachusetts, founder of Build Health International, improving healthcare infrastructure in resource-constrained areas.
- Calvin Mackie of New Orleans, founder of STEM NOLA, inspiring future innovators through STEM activities.
AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins commended the recipients for their innovative solutions to societal challenges, emphasizing their impact on improving lives and addressing pressing social issues.
