Taraji Penda Henson, born September 11, 1970, in Washington, D.C., is an acclaimed American actress and singer.
With an impressive filmography that includes notable works like “Baby Boy,” “Hustle & Flow,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and “Think Like a Man,” as well as her role in the television series Empire, Taraji has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Taraji is the daughter of Bernice (Gordon) and Boris Lawrence Henson. In 1994 she welcomed her son, Marcell Johnson, into the world. Tragically, Marcel’s father, William Lamar Johnson, who was Taraji’s high school sweetheart, was murdered in 2003.
In addition to her African-American heritage, a DNA test revealed that Taraji also has Cameroonian ancestry from the Masa people. Her matrilineal lineage can be traced back to this ethnic group.
Recent mitochondrial DNA analysis has revealed that Taraji P. Henson has a matrilineal lineage tracing back to the Masa people of Cameroon (Credit: SevenMaps / Shutterstock)
The names given to Taraji have significant meanings. Her first name, Taraji, originates from Swahili and signifies hope, while her middle name, Penda, also from Swahili, means love. These names reflect the positive and empowering nature of her identity.
Taraji P. Henson takes great pride in her ancestral ties to Matthew Alexander Henson, a renowned figure in American history as the first African American to reach the North Pole.
Taraji P. Henson’s mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed her matrilineal lineage tracing back to the Masa people of Cameroon, and she has also acknowledged her connection to Matthew Henson, the North Pole explorer, as the brother of her great-great-grandfather (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
Matthew Henson’s lineage is intricately connected to Taraji’s family, with Joseph Henson, Matthew’s half-brother, being her paternal great-great-grandfather. Their roots can be traced back to Nanjemoy, Maryland, where Matthew Henson was born in 1866.
His journey to greatness began amidst adversity. Orphaned at a young age, he ventured into seafaring when he was twelve.
In 1887, fate brought him face-to-face with explorer Robert Peary, and Henson soon became Peary’s trusted assistant on a series of daring Arctic expeditions.
Robert E. Peary and Matthew Henson were two American explorers who are credited with reaching the North Pole on April 6, 1909 (Credit: IgorGolovniov / Shutterstock)
Henson’s exceptional skills as a navigator and craftsman played a pivotal role in the success of Peary’s groundbreaking expedition to the North Pole in 1909.
Despite his remarkable accomplishments, Henson faced significant challenges during his lifetime. He was unjustly denied the recognition and honors bestowed upon Peary, ultimately passing away in poverty in 1955.
Fortunately, the remarkable achievements of Matthew Henson have not been forgotten. In recent years, his legacy has been rightfully rediscovered, acknowledging him as a pioneering figure in American exploration.
Taraji P. Henson, proud of her familial connection to her great-great-uncle, passionately advocates for the celebration and recognition of the remarkable accomplishments of African Americans.
Taraji P. Henson in a stunning David Koma dress paired with a stylish new haircut at the Black Girls Rock! 2017 Awards in New York on August 5, 2017 (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
Taraji P. Henson has been a stand-out face for African-American talent in her industry, and it looks like she wants to share her success.
Taraji P. Henson made a bold fashion statement with her dress, showcasing an enticing design that incorporated a plunging neckline, shoulder cutouts, and a striking high slit along one leg (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
In August 2017, the three-time Emmy nominee hosted the 2017 Black Girls Rock! Awards, looking gorgeous pre-show on the red carpet.
Taraji appeared on the red carpet in her first David Koma London look for the night, centered around a navy blue dress from the fashion house’s Autumn/Winter 2017 collection.
Taraji P. Henson revealed a silver pedicure while donning Jimmy Choo’s peep-toe pumps
The dress featured multiple embellishments across the bodice and a low neckline that showed off Taraji’s curves. The skirt is also cut off at one side to bare Taraji’s long legs.
The actress finished her look with jewelry from David Yurman and a pair of Jimmy Choo platform sandals.
Taraji P. Henson towered in a pair of Jimmy Choo platform sandals boasting an impressive 6-inch heel (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
You can shop Jimmy Choo sandals similar to Taraji’s first look on Farfetch
Jimmy Choo “Jenna” Platform Sandals, $975
Just before taking the stage, Taraji changed into her second look for the night. The actress kept the low neckline and bare leg theme going with yet another David Koma Autumn/Winter 2017 look: This time, a fully-embellished little black dress that flared out to a layer of ruffles at the hem.
Switching up her footwear, the actress gracefully transitioned from her black Jimmy Choo sandals to a striking silver metallic pair, effortlessly enhancing her ensemble.
Taraji P. Henson slipped into her second David Koma look while hosting the awards (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
Taraji expressed pride in honoring women of color, saying that black women are often overlooked across all industries.
The then-46-year-old was joined by fellow actors Rutina Wesley, Issa Rae, Skai Jackson, Dascha Polanco, Yara Shahidi, and R&B artist Ne-Yo and Olympian Ibtihaj-Muhammad.
Taraji P. Henson switches out her black platform sandals for a silver pair (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
You can check out Stuart Weitzman sandals similar to Taraji’s second pair on Zappos.
Stuart Weitzman Bridal & Evening Collection “Nudistplatform” Sandals in Silver, $325.99 – $435