Taraji P. Henson Encourages Creatives to Speak Their Truth at American Black Film Festival
Taraji P. Henson recently took the stage at the American Black Film Festival Honors and encouraged creatives to keep telling their truth.
The actress pointed to a tattoo on her left arm that spelled out “The Truth” as she stated, “At the end of the day that’s all we have is our truth. And if you are alive and God blessed you with another day to live, it is your job to tell your truth. Because by you telling your truth, you set yourself free and somebody else free. But if you stay quiet nothing changes. The squeaky wheel gets fixed.”
Taraji P. Henson attends the 6th Annual American Black Film Festival Honors. pic.twitter.com/ZMaHcg3QVU
— Bulletin Film (@BulletinFilm) March 5, 2024
Henson continued to encourage the creatives in ABFF Honors audience, stating, “It’s a scary thing to tell your truth because you just never know what’s gonna happen. But at the end of the day I know God, I know God gon’ always have my back. And when I’m speaking my truth it is what it is. You can’t change it, it’s the truth and, it’s mine and you can’t take that away from me.”
In late 2023, the Empire actress spoke out about the experiences that Black actresses face within the industry during the press tour for The Color Purple. One of the problems she discussed and continues to face was pay inequity. In addition, she also mentioned Black actors and actresses receiving substandard services, such as not being provided food or dressing rooms at rehearsals.
During an interview with SiriusXM, Henson tearfully broke down as she explained the issues she faces in Hollywood, stating, “I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do [and] getting paid a fraction of the cost. I’m tired of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over…Every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when it’s time to renegotiate I’m at the bottom again, like I never did what I just did, and I’m tired. I’m tired. It wears on you.”
Prominent Actor Taraji P. Henson breaks out crying mid interview when discussing her financial situation and pay she receives as an accomplished actor. “The math ain’t mathing, every time I negotiate, it’s like I’m starting from the bottom.” Via @SIRIUSXM pic.twitter.com/eOFop58z4y
— Black Millionaires ® (@Blackmillions_) December 20, 2023
Since speaking up, Taraji P. Henson has received support from celebrities who have had similar experiences, including Keke Palmer and Gabrielle Union. She has also gone on to be named one of Time’s Women of the Year for her bravery in speaking her truth.
Henson’s admission about her experience has also sparked conversations about the lack of equality in treatment and equity in pay that Black actors and actresses receive. These conversations will catalyze change within the film industry and other industries where marginalized people don’t receive fair treatment.
You can watch her full speech in the video down below.
Writer
