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Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson
Posted By: Quentin Congress on August 12, 2006
FEATURED Content

Actress

In college, she wanted to study electrical engineering. But when she failed precalculus, she transferred to Howard University, in Washington, D.C., and earned a theater arts degree. As a student, she also held down a secretarial position at the Pentagon.

Her film roles started off small (she had a bit part in this 2000 animation-live-action hybrid), but she hit it big with "Hustle & Flow," playing Shug, a pregnant prostitute with a talent for singing.

Howard's vocal contribution to the film's keynote song, "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp," helped earn the track an Academy Award.

In "Benjamin Button," she ages almost 50 years on the screen as the mother of Brad Pitt's title character.



The performance earned her a SAG Award nomination, and there's talk of an Oscar.

So, what's the meaning behind her intriguing name? "Taraji" means this in Swahili. Her middle name is Penda, meaning "love."

She's no stranger to Hollywood's heavy-hitters. She's performed alongside Terrence Howard, Don Cheadle, James Spader, and Brad Pitt.

Taraji is now being featured in new HBCU related film "From the Rough" based on a true story that took place on the campus of Tennessee State University...
To view a clip from the new film goto:
http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=...
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angelica ardoin
Howard University class of 2012
i love her!
Monday, October 15th 2007 at 8:47PM
Brandon Lee
Clark Atlanta University class of 2010
I'm like in love with her! Which HBCU did she attend?
Saturday, December 29th 2007 at 11:01AM
Jamila Martin
Howard University class of 2012
she said she went to Howard . .
Monday, December 31st 2007 at 8:15PM
Fallon Smith
Communications Specialist at N/A
she is from Washington DC and she grew up in Oxion Hill Md. She went to Howard University.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 at 10:01AM
s*xy-ess hit lady I've ever seen! You killed them in Smokin Aces,
love ya!!
Monday, May 12th 2008 at 9:55AM
HU!!!!!
Wednesday, February 10th 2010 at 9:44PM
Imani Dickson
Life Camp Jr. Counselor at Jay Cameron
Great actress from my area. She went to NC A&T and transfered to Howard

Friday, February 12th 2010 at 6:41PM
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