Taraji P. Henson In 'Straw': On Advocating For Other Black Women

Spoiler alert. Straw is a tear-jerker. Tyler Perry’s latest contribution to the film world instantly became a fan favorite on Netflix. Straw also became the streaming service’s top movie within hours of its debut thanks to the ensemble cast, Taraji P. Henson, Teyana Taylor and Sherri Shepherd, who delivered relatable and emotional performances. There was even an appearance from Sinbad. Viewers were moved by the storyline, which shed light on Black maternal health, systematic injustices and the weight of invisible labor Black women carry. All while giving us bank robber vibes. We empathized with Henson’s Janiyah Wilkinson because we all know a mother like her and we respect the characters around her who came to her defense.

During the Straw junket, we spoke to the leading ladies about being an advocate for other Black women. “My mom has all sisters, so it’s just like I’ve been surrounded by a village and a tribe of just amazing women that are, you know, my support system but also my prayer warriors so I’ve been very, very I am very, very fortunate to have that force and then, you know, to have my girls and you know, my, my friends is very, very important,” shared Teyana Taylor sporting a sleek black look and sunglasses. “Sisterhood within women in general is so important, and I’ve been blessed enough to have that behind the scenes on the scenes on set, off set, so I’m just really a lucky lady,” she added.

Taraji P. Henson’s Straw Character Resonates With Us All

Taylor’s character, Detective Kay Raymond, has been praised for being a light in a dark system that abuses marginalized communities. Sherri, who plays a supportive bank manager in the thriller, shared her thoughts. “I have aunts. I remember my grandmother; she’s not here, she’s in heaven now, but I would call her and go, ‘Grandmama, I got an audition. Could you pray with me?’ And she’d be like, ‘Lord…I don’t never ask you for nothing, but my grandbaby got this little program she trying to get, Lord.’ And it’s like the prayers of my family who always say, ‘Sherri, we’re praying for you because we know what you’re up against.'”

She continued, “My friends, my sister friends. I cannot do life without my female friendships. I feel bad for people, women when they say I don’t get along with other women because they’re treacherous, and I feel bad for them because I go, you truly don’t know the strength that you’re missing out on and the power cord that you have without women in your life.”

Star of the film, Taraji P. Henson, felt the same. “That’s how I operate. I stand 10 toes down from my sisters, like I love us. I’m always going to big us up. I’m always in our corner. I’m always celebrating us because we have enough to deal with in this world, and I don’t want to be another obstacle that a black woman has to get over.”

Catch Straw on Netflix now.