The BET Awards 2022 was one for the books — from Diddy pledging $1 million to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Howard University and Jackson State University to the show taking the No. 1 spot for “Best Performing Cable Awards Show.”
Plus, its second-time host Taraji P. Henson had a big announcement herself during one of the culture’s biggest weekends.
Taraji P. Henson's Foundation Reaches Its Funding Goal
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF), the actress’ foundation named after her late father, raised its goal of $1 million during the BET Awards Host Dinner, BET reports.
“BET has been a driving force for social change since the very beginning,” said Jeanine Liburd, BET Social Impact & Communications Officer, according to the outlet. “We couldn’t have been more excited to celebrate and elevate Black music and culture at Sunday’s BET Awards and we are happy that we were able to celebrate Black joy and give back to our community ahead of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July. Amid today’s social climate, Ms. Henson and the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation were the perfect partners for the BET Awards Host Dinner, providing support, and bringing awareness to mental health issues that plague our Black community.”
BLHF aims to “both normalize and improve access to mental health services for Black communities in hopes of eradicating the stigma around seeking help and support,” per its website.
The recent fundraising will aid in how it builds its helpful resources, programs, and education.
Free Mental Health Services
The funds are also set to go toward the Joy Challenge — a partnership between BLHF and BET. The two have teamed up to offer one million hours of free mental health services for the Black community. The outlet details that people in need will have access to help in non-traditional spaces such as festivals, HBCU college campuses, salons, barbershops, etc. The intent is to create a space of comfortability to have Black people feel seen and heard.
“We are reigniting joy,” stated BLHF Executive Director Tracie Jade. “And it is our continued mission to allow every individual to choose what that looks like for themselves, even in the midst of the most challenging circumstances. Our mission has always been to offer the Black community the tools and resources needed to break the silence and the stigma. Through this partnership we can change our generational future.”
