Taraji P. Henson Explains How Her Mother’s Gunpoint Robbery Gave Her Strength

Taraji P Henson

Taraji P. Henson opened up about two terrifying incidents and how they impacted her mental health over the years.

Taraji P. Henson was transformed into a “fighter” after seeing her mother held at gunpoint.

The “Empire” star has been opening up about her own mental health for her new program and recalled how she gained strength from her mom being robbed on two separate occasions.

Speaking in a preview for her new Facebook Watch show, “Peace of Mind With Taraji,” she said: “The first time I was six. She was held at gunpoint. I’m 50, I remember like it was yesterday. Watching her go through that, because she didn’t crumble, what she didn’t realize was that she was putting fight into me. It made me a fighter. That’s just how it affected me. Not saying I wasn’t traumatized.”

When Taraji confirmed she was set to host a show about mental health on Facebook Watch, she admitted the conversation was something that was “dear to her heart.”

She said in a statement: “I’ve long been a mental health advocate for the Black community and created the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in 2018 that has provided resources to thousands of people who are struggling. I’m looking forward to bringing this new talk series to Facebook Watch, where I can continue to create a conversation around an issue that is near and dear to my heart.”