Taraji P. Henson at ABFF

This year’s American Black Film Festival was full of treats, and having Taraji P Henson as the festival ambassador infected everyone with her fearless energy. During the “Conversation with Taraji P. Henson” lead by Gayle King, Taraji spoke on her journey, combating fear, being a mother, her future plans and playing Cookie on Empire.

Taraji made it on the acting scene in 1996, and despite all the nay-sayers, she was determined to fight against comments about her being too old and having a child to support. Her response:

“…Watch me work.”

Although, she met plenty of obstacles along the way, Taraji was able to persevere and make a name for herself along the way.

“I get off on people saying no to me…”
~ Taraji

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpg6y-Q4LRk

The Push:

Taraji took the leap of faith to push for her dreams in college. She started college majoring in electrical engineering and flunked out. Her push came from her father when her told that he was glad she failed. Taraji dad told her, “You needed to fall on your face because that not what you are supposed to be doing…” Shortly after, she took her father’s advice and enrolled in the acting program at Howard University.

See more at Pink Proverb!