Actor and author Taraji P. Henson discusses her career, mental health advocacy, and upcoming children's book promoting diversity. They also talk about technology's impact on relationships, the importance of representation in black culture, empowering children, unique food combinations, parenting lessons, and future roles in movies.
Taraji P. Henson advocates for appreciating differences in children through her upcoming children's book.
Henson emphasizes the importance of real-life connections over excessive technology use for children.
Deep dives
Taraji P. Henson's Extensive Career and Creative Ventures
Taraji P. Henson, known for her diverse career as an actor, producer, author, and mental health advocate, has achieved significant success in various projects. From earning accolades in films like 'Hustle and Flow' and 'Hidden Figures' to her production efforts being recognized with a Tony Award nomination, Henson's impact extends beyond the screen. Additionally, she showcases her creativity through endeavors such as a children's book and a memoir, emphasizing the importance of appreciating differences and promoting mental health awareness in communities of color.
Emphasizing Real Connections Over Technology for Children
Henson expresses concerns about the impact of technology on children's social interactions, advocating for a return to real-life connections. With the character Little TJ Fit in her book focusing on avoiding excessive technology use, Henson highlights the importance of maintaining innocence amid a tech-driven world. She emphasizes the need for children to engage in personal interactions rather than solely relying on digital platforms, encouraging a balance that fosters genuine relationships and life lessons.
Empowering Children with Resilience and Individuality
Addressing themes of resilience and self-esteem, Henson conveys powerful messages to young readers about standing against negativity and embracing individuality. Through her children's book's narrative, she instills the idea that nobody can diminish one's joy without permission, empowering children to handle challenges and bullies with inner strength. By promoting self-acceptance and choice-making, Henson encourages youth to recognize their unique worth and not let external judgments cloud their sense of identity and happiness.
In this week's episode of the Black Girl Nerds podcast, we welcome actor and author Taraji P. Henson.
Taraji P. Henson is an Academy Award-nominated actor, producer, author, and mental health advocate with a globally celebrated career that extends beyond the screen. Most recently, her producorial efforts on the play, JAJA’s African Hair Braiding, earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Play. Henson quickly rose to fame after her breakout performance in the critically acclaimed film Hustle & Flow, which earned her and the cast a Screen Actors Guild nomination as well as the BET Award for Best Actress. She was most recently seen in the award-winning musical adaptation of The Color Purple, for which she won an NAACP Image Award and received a Screen Actors Guild ensemble nomination.
In June 2024, she will release her new children’s book, You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!), which was sparked by her desire to show children that they can appreciate other’s differences, as all children have something different about them and that’s what makes them special.
Host: Ryanne
Music by: Sammus
Edited by: Jamie Broadnax
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