Taraji P. Henson to receive honorary AARP Purpose Prize

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Taraji P. Henson will receive an honorary AARP Award for eradicating the stigma around mental health within marginalized communities through her foundation that was created in honor of her father. She hopes the organization's platform will put a spotlight on mental health and encourage people to be “open about discussing their struggles and ultimately receiving help.” Henson's foundation, which launched in 2018, honors the legacy of her father, who battled untreated mental health issues after returning from the Vietnam War. The actor said her foundation's mission has been to “eradicate the stigma around mental illness.” Last year, Henson's foundation partnered with Alabama State University on mental health wellness. Seven individuals will be awarded the AARP Purpose Prize, which honors people ages 50 and older who are making a difference through their “knowledge and life experience.” Each of their organizations will receive $50,000.