Taraji P. Henson Reveals Why She Couldn’t Turn Down the 2022 BET Awards, “As Many Times As They Play Baby Boy”

Taraji P. Henson keeps it real and always shows up for her community. On Sunday, the award-winning actress will take center stage to host the 2022 BET Awards. And she just revealed why she couldn’t turn down the BET Awards, like ever.

“No matter how big I get in my career, no matter how high my star may rise, I will never forget my community,” Henson said. “The community is who told Hollywood, ‘Hey, pay attention to her.’ Where would I be without my community? I mean, as many times as they play Baby Boy?” she adds, joking. “It’s home for me, you know what I mean?”

The BET Awards, dubbed culture’s biggest night, premieres tonight and will take place at the Microsoft Center in Los Angeles.

Henson’s recent collab with BET comes with her own entertainment company, THP Entertainment. She says the commitment to serving African American audience is why she did the deal there. She adds, “I was sick and tired of going to places and being tolerated. I wanted to be where the work and my ideas were going to be celebrated and not just sit on a shelf.”

After Henson’s focus last year at the BET Awards was on sisterhood, she notes that this year’s awards will pay tribute to the brothers of our community.

“Where would we be without our men? This year I kind of want to shift the focus and lift them up and give them the love they so need and deserve.”

Catch the BET Awards Sunday, June 26 on BET at 8 pm ET.