Taraji P Henson Launches Campaign to Challenge Racial Bias in the Education System
As the push for mental health awareness continues to increase, actress Taraji P Henson is hopping on board and starting her campaign. Henson launched “The Unspoken Curriculum” which addresses the mental health of Black students ages 12-22.
The campaign, which is a kickoff to Mental Health Awareness Month, is a six-week program that helps students combat the trauma they’ve faced, especially after a year where hundreds of thousands are still grieving the loss of family.
Yes we do!! With people that understand us and our culture! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 https://t.co/5UDFGcNpkp— Dana Vaughn (@dmilitant11) May 19, 2021
Some of the goals of “The Unspoken Curriculum” include:
- Combat mental distress caused by implicit bias by helping Black youth as well as parents, teachers, and administrators recognize the signs of trauma and distress
- Inspire youth to feel confident and empowered to talk about their personal experiences in the classroom, protect their mental health, and seek support when they need it
- Advocate for meaningful change in the classroom by rethinking and reforming the lessons Black students learn in school
- Drive measurable action among youth as well as adults in the education system and beyond who play an integral role in shaping the experiences that set the tone for each young person’s future
“The Unspoken Curriculum”: Taraji P. Henson’s foundation confronts the devastating impact racism in the U.S. Education System has on Black students’ mental health. P.S. that’s my baby girl in the library. https://t.co/n9W6FuoI5N— kellyhd (@khdpoetry) May 18, 2021
Taraji P Henson spoke to Extra in regards to the campaign and her mental health journey. Henson said, “For someone who has been put on a pedestal of strength for so long, to come and say, ‘Hey, on some days I’m not so strong.’” I think a lot of people feel OK about talking about it.”
Henson, who used to work as a substitute teacher, discussed the two things that sparked this campaign, how she was affected by the biases in education growing up and how this treatment continues to affect her today. More importantly, Henson spoke about how the mistreatment of Black students contributes to the classroom-to-prison pipeline.
Henson added, “We want to shed light on the students and give them a voice… We want to open the floor to educators, students of all races to talk about this unspoken curriculum that happens in school with children of color.”
One of the unique components of “The Unspoken Curriculum” is the after-school hangout sessions. Students and parents will have access to digital hangouts. These are safe spaces where they can openly speak with a licensed therapist about their mental health and personal experiences.
Henson hopes that this campaign will erase the stigma surrounding mental health awareness.
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