Taraji P. Henson is doing what she can to help out during the pandemic.
The 49-year-old Empire actress chatted with Anderson Cooper and Sanjay Gupta during a CNN special about her mental health program, in partnership with her Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, which aims to help black Americans and people of color who are suffering during the ongoing health crisis.
“When COVID happened, my heart went out and I just knew that people were suffering and they’re suffering alone in isolation,” an emotional Taraji shared. “I’m blessed. I can call my therapist. I can pay for it without thinking about it, but what about those who can’t?”
Taraji went on to acknowledge that “African Americans and people of color are disproportionately affected by not only the virus but the secondary mental health impacts associated with the virus.”
“So we created a virtual fund-raising campaign for free sessions for people of color and, you know, disadvantaged neighborhoods,” Taraji said, before pausing and getting teary-eyed. “I’m so nervous. There is so much going on right now. My brain is just…”
Taraji then talked about the impact the death of George Floyd has had on the nation.
“It’s just like, it won’t let up, you know? It’s like I’m trying to stop a bleeding wound and it just keeps bleeding, you know? But I’m raising money to help those who can’t,” Taraji continued. “It’s tragic and it’s traumatizing. And I mean, at this point it seems like we have to save ourselves…My hope is that we eradicate the stigma around mental health in the black community.”
Read what stars like Beyonce and Rihanna said while speaking out on the murder.
“When Covid happened, my heart went out and I just knew that people were suffering and they’re suffering alone in isolation.” – Actress Taraji P. Henson on ending the stigma of mental health in the African American community. #CNNTownHall https://t.co/XAkJYdQ2CE pic.twitter.com/dBW4LbmHf9
— CNN (@CNN) May 29, 2020
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