Distinguished Professional – Taraji P. Henson
Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning actor, filmmaker, and activist Taraji P. Henson quickly rose to fame after her breakout performance in the critically acclaimed film Hustle & Flow.
Henson, a graduate of Oxon Hill High School, most recently starred in Tyler Perry’s psychological drama Straw on Netflix. Henson also starred in The Color Purple, and in NBC’s Annie Live! for which she won an NAACP award. Henson is widely known for her iconic run as Cookie Lyon in Fox’s hit drama Empire, earning three Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe Award, a Critics Choice Award, and three BET Awards.
Beyond the screen, Henson launched the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her late father. The organization provides scholarships to African-American students majoring in mental health and offers mental health services to youth in urban schools. To honor her achievements, longevity and contributions in the field, Henson received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019.