May 4th 2025.
For years, actress Taraji P. Henson has been a vocal advocate for Black mental health. Recently, she announced her latest project alongside her best friend Tracie Jade Jenkins - the launch of the newest version of SheCare wellness pods. These pods will be introduced later this semester in partnership with Baltimore HBCU, Coppin State University.
Jenkins, who serves as the executive director of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (founded by Henson herself), shared that the organization was created to honor her father's struggles with mental health after his time serving in the Vietnam War during the 1960s. The SheCare wellness pods, specifically designed for Black women, will offer counseling services, workshops, and wellness activities. This initiative is a result of a collaboration between the foundation, Coppin State University, and Kate Spade New York.
According to a press release from the university, the pods at Coppin State will be the first indoor version of the program. Other HBCU campuses, such as Alabama State University, Hampton University, and Bennett College, will also feature these pods. The decision to repurpose an indoor area on campus was made in order to make the pods accessible year-round and increase the impact of the services.
Jenkins shared her thoughts on the project, stating, "When we first came up with the idea for the Boris L. Henson Foundation SheCare Wellness Pods, I knew we had to start with women, especially those on HBCU campuses. Throughout our lives, women are taught to suppress their emotions and prioritize the needs of others, often neglecting their own well-being." Henson, a proud graduate of Howard University, added, "It has been an incredible journey working with Kate Spade New York to bring our shared vision to life over the past few years. We are thrilled to open our next installment at Coppin State University this Spring, a neighboring city to my hometown that I hold dear to my heart."
The SheCare wellness pods at Coppin State also feature designs by Veronica Ishii, a talented mural artist and student at the university. Ishii was chosen by the campus leadership team to create the designs and shared her inspiration, saying, "I drew inspiration from the concept of 'Fanny's Garden,' which pays tribute to our incredible namesake. This idea represents the nurturing spaces that women create - where strength and vulnerability meet, and growth flourishes." She added, "It highlights the unwavering support we receive from being part of a community. Through our shared experiences and mutual encouragement, we empower each other to thrive, creating a beautiful tapestry of womanhood."
Coppin State University President, Anthony L. Jenkins, also expressed his excitement for the new mental health space in a statement, saying, "We are honored to partner with Taraji P. Henson, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, and Kate Spade New York to bring the SheCare Wellness Pods to our campus. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to enhancing the mental health and well-being of our students. By providing these resources, we hope to empower our students to take control of their mental health and flourish in all aspects of their lives."
In other news, the AARP has announced that Taraji P. Henson will be recognized as an honorary Purpose Prize recipient. This is a well-deserved recognition for her continuous efforts towards advocating for Black mental health and bringing much-needed support to HBCU campuses.
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