by Mary J. Blige and Taraji P. Henson’s Epic Friendship: A Celebration of Black Girl Magic
By Tunes Share
Mary J. Blige’s recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar gave us an inside look at her incredibly close friendship with the one and only Taraji P. Henson. As longtime friends, these two talented actresses and singers exemplify the beauty of supportive female friendships in the often cutthroat entertainment industry. Their sisterhood is one built on mutual love, respect and always having each other’s backs.
In the interview, Blige had nothing but wonderful things to say about her girl Taraji. She described Henson as “one of the most determined people” she knows, praising her friend’s admirable work ethic and relentless drive to succeed. Even when life got tough, Henson never gave up on her dreams. Blige went on to call Henson a “true hustler” who is “always working hard and always trying to improve her craft.”
For Blige, Henson inspires both her and everyone else who knows the Hidden Figures actress. Henson’s story is one of perseverance, passion and staying true to herself. She is a gifted performer who has wowed audiences in films like Hustle & Flow, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Empire. Yet behind the scenes, Henson has tirelessly worked at her talents for decades before receiving widespread fame.
Blige expressed her gratitude for Henson’s friendship of over 20 years. The two first met when they were both up-and-comers trying to get their big breaks. Even as unknowns, Henson was there for Blige. And that support never stopped, forming a bond that Blige described as closer than family. “Taraji is my ride-or-die,” Blige stated. “She’s always there for me, no matter what.” For both women, their loyalty to each other has clearly stood the test of time.
As an admirer of both Mary J. Blige and Taraji P. Henson, it warmed my heart to get a glimpse into their sisterhood. In a competitive industry that often pits women against each other, these two chose the path of mutual empowerment. They are each other’s biggest cheerleaders. This interview was a reminder that women uplifting women is such a beautiful thing.
The Sisterhood of Mary J. Blige and Taraji P. Henson
Mary J. Blige and Taraji P. Henson show us the power of the sisterhood through their long-lasting friendship. In a world that wants to pit successful women against each other, these two icons prove that we can instead choose to uplift each other. They are fierce, phenomenally talented women who recognize that having the support of fellow strong females makes achieving dreams so much sweeter.
For both Blige and Henson, the road to the top was not an easy one. They leaned on each other when the journey got hard, commiserating over the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. During periods of self-doubt, I can picture one friend reminding the other of her greatness and staying strong in the face of adversity. Their bonds strengthened through life’s difficulties.
What I find so inspirational about their relationship is their loyalty and their genuine happiness for each other’s accomplishments. When Hidden Figures became a box office smash in 2016, you just know Blige was one of the first to congratulate her friend. That same year when Blige was honored at the Billboard Women in Music event, surely Henson was beaming with pride in the audience.
In my mind, their conversations are filled with wisdom and said with love. These two share an unbreakable confidence in each other’s abilities. When one is feeling low, the other lifts her up. That’s what real friendship looks like – a safe space to be vulnerable and be reminded of your magic. For Black women especially, having a strong support system inspires greater self-belief.
Blige and Henson’s sisterhood teaches me so much about my own female friendships. I strive to be as fiercely loyal and loving as they are with my own best girlfriends. Through all of life’s messy moments, my true friends have never wavered. Our hard-won history is sacred. And there’s so much joy in witnessing your friends’ dreams come true.
This is the type of bond I wish for all women to experience, especially women of color. The world wants us to compete, but we can choose compassion. We can make space for each other to shine and pursue our wildest dreams. Sisterhood is one of the most beautiful and revolutionary forms of love.
Why Taraji P. Henson is My Shero
Ask any fan of Taraji P. Henson why they love her so much, and I guarantee their reasons will be endless. She is one of the most gifted, hard-working actresses ever. Yet beyond her enormous talents, Henson as a person inspires me daily. She is outspoken, funny, fiercely determined and always keeps it 100% real. For a Black girl who’s still trying to believe in herself and my worth, Taraji P. Henson is everything.
So many actresses get caught up in the pressures of Hollywood, losing themselves in the process. But Henson has always stayed true to her roots. She is as down to earth as they come. The DC native infuses her characters with honesty and heart. Cookie Lyon in Empire wouldn’t have been as beloved if played by anyone else. And Henson brilliantly portrayed the hidden genius of NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson.
What resonates most about Henson is her perseverance. For years, she tirelessly auditioned while working side jobs to pay the bills. She never took no for an answer. Henson knew she had a gift meant for the world, and was determined to manifest her dreams. That relentless spirit pushed her to become the first Black woman ever nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
During her acceptance speeches, Henson makes sure to thank God for her talents. Even as she racks up accolades and blockbuster roles, she remains so humble. I love that Henson openly shares her struggles with depression and anxiety. She makes it clear that even a superstar feels vulnerable sometimes. But she faces every obstacle with inspiring strength and grace.
The entertainment industry often pits women against each other, but Henson stands out for lifting up fellow Black actresses. She uses her voice to advocate for those without privilege. And she is very serious about paying it forward through her various charities and foundations. Henson even launched the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to provide support to African Americans with mental illness. Her enormous heart is evident.
There are so many reasons Taraji P. Henson is my personal shero. But above all, I am endlessly inspired by her resilience. She is a light during dark times, proof that we can overcome this world’s obstacles. Her magic makes me believe a bit more in my own.
The Enduring bond Between Mary J. Blige and Taraji P. Henson
The recent emotional interview given by Mary J. Blige is a testament to the power of female friendships. Her 20-year bond with Taraji P. Henson has clearly enriched both their lives, surviving the test of time. As Blige herself said, their loyalty to each other is unshakeable. During their respective rises to fame, Blige and Henson had a once-in-a-lifetime support system – one that empowered them both.
Looking back, it’s incredible to think about how far these two phenomenal women have come. When Blige and Henson first met as young hopefuls in the 90s, they could not have predicted the massive success in their futures. But with the gift of hindsight, we can see how their friendship likely gave them the strength to realize their dreams.
The music and acting worlds are still unfortunately filled with sexism, racism and constant judgement. But throughout all the struggles, Blige and Henson built a safe haven in their sisterhood. No matter how difficult things got, they could always fall back on each other for comfort.
It makes so much sense that Henson was the one Blige leaned on during her lowest moments. Because that’s what true friendship is – showing up with love when times are hard. And when one reached new heights, like Henson’s Oscar nomination, the other rejoiced wholeheartedly. They are each other’s biggest cheerleaders.
There is something so special about having a close female friend who simply gets you. The kind of friend who has been around long enough that they feel like family. Henson and Blige’s loyalty proves they share that soulful connection. It’s inspiring to see them nourish rather than compete with each other.
These two phenomenal women show no signs of slowing down creatively. But no matter how high they climb, they still stay rooted in their enduring bond. Blige and Henson’s friendship is one for the history books. May they continue uplifting each other for the next 20 years and beyond. Their sisterhood is a masterclass in the power of women supporting women.
