HOLLYWOOD POWERHOUSE TARAJI P. HENSON TO BE HONORED WITH PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY
ONTARIO, CA (March 20, 2025) – Academy Award-nominated actress, producer, and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson will receive the prestigious Philanthropist of the Year Award at Time for Change Foundation’s 23rd Annual Awards Gala, “Unwavering: Igniting Change, Inspiring Hope,” recognizing her groundbreaking work to transform perceptions of mental health in the African American community.
The “Empire” star and “Hidden Figures” actress will be celebrated alongside other changemakers on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Ontario, California.
“Taraji’s fearless advocacy for mental health is breaking down barriers and saving lives,” said Dr. Kim Carter, Founder of Time for Change Foundation. “Through her transparency and unwavering dedication, she’s creating pathways for healing in communities that have long been overlooked.”
Dr. Carter, whose own journey through addiction and recovery was powerfully portrayed in Pepcy & Kim—a film directed by Henson—understands firsthand the transformative power of mental health support. Through The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, Henson is ensuring that culturally competent mental health care is accessible, particularly in underserved communities facing systemic barriers.
In 2018, Henson founded The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named after her father who struggled with mental health challenges after serving in the Vietnam War. The organization works to eradicate the stigma around mental health issues in the African American community and increase the number of culturally competent mental health professionals.
The star-studded gala will feature an elegant evening of celebration, dynamic awards presentations, and moving testimonials from those whose lives have been transformed by the Foundation’s work. The event begins with a social hour at 6 PM followed by the formal program at 7 PM.
Additional honorees include:
- Richard Jeske – Nancy Varner Angel Award
- Ginger Ontiveros (President and CEO of Tomorrow’s Talent) – Unsung Hero Award
- Jon Pardi (American country singer and songwriter) – Humanitarian Award
- Chiara Tilesi (Italian Film Producer and Director) – Women’s Global Icon Award
- Lifting as We Climb – Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award
- Charisse Bremond Weaver and George Weaver – Dynamic Duo Award
- Michelle Decker (CEO of the Inland Empire Community Foundation) – Community Champion Award
Individual tickets, table sponsorships, and advertising opportunities in the souvenir program are available now at the Gala registration page. Media inquiries and interview requests with Taraji P. Henson or other honorees should be directed to Aimee Durante at (909) 886-2994 or adurante@timeforchangefoundation.org.
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About Time for Change Foundation
Time for Change Foundation empowers communities towards economic prosperity and holistic well-being through innovative housing and economic development initiatives. As a beacon of light “Rising Like the Sun, so Others Can Shine,” TFCF provides quality education, training programs, housing assistance, employment opportunities, political advocacy, civic engagement, and family reunification services.
The Foundation’s Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center works to eliminate racial and gender systemic inequity by providing a protected environment where women entrepreneurs access resources to build, grow, and scale profitable businesses.
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org or call (909) 886-2994.
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