In a poignant and powerful tribute to her late husband, the actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Dr. Tenisha Warner has announced the launch of two philanthropic organizations in his honor.
This is the first time Dr. Warner has publicly identified herself. She is stepping out of the private life she and her husband cultivated to carry on his legacy.
The announcement was made on what would have been their eighth wedding anniversary. She introduced the Warner Family Foundation and a new initiative, River & Ember.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who passed away in an accidental drowning in July, was a beloved figure known for his iconic role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” He also had a multifaceted career as a director, poet, and Grammy-winning artist.
Throughout his life, he was a staunch advocate for children’s causes and the arts. This is a legacy his wife and daughter are now committed to furthering.
In her emotional Instagram post, Dr. Warner shared a never-before-seen wedding photo of the couple. She accompanied them with heartfelt words about his enduring love and spirit.
Foundation established to aid young artists
The newly established Warner Family Foundation will be a scholarship program for young artists, known as the Malcolm-Jamal Warner Creative Legacy Fund. The fund is designed to support the next generation of creators, with a focus on those who demonstrate originality, vision, and a spirit of interdisciplinary exploration.
The foundation’s website states that it honors Warner’s truth by “nurturing the next generation of poets, painters, musicians, performers, and interdisciplinary creators whose work carries courage, freedom, and authenticity.”
The scholarship’s for ages between 14 and 22, with a special emphasis on those who work across multiple creative disciplines.
River & Ember to strengthen family relations
The second organization, River & Ember, is a project dedicated to strengthening the bonds between parents and children. Drawing from Dr. Warner’s background in psychology, River & Ember will provide resources, stories, and rituals for families to connect.
“In his honor, my daughter and I are launching River & Ember and officially opening the Warner Family Foundation. Together, we carry the legacy my husband and I began – one that nurtures children’s inner light and gives young artists the freedom to create outside the lines.”
Altogether, the name itself is a tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Dr. Warner described him as “a river – steady, sure and always moving toward what matters” and “an ember – glowing with encouragement, igniting possibility in those around him.”
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s legacy to live on
Furthermore, the initiative plans to offer toolkits and a companion app designed for shared use by parents and children. This creates what the organization calls “sacred time” away from the distractions of everyday life.
Dr. Warner’s decision to break her silence and share her personal grief with the world has resonated deeply. Her tribute not only provides a glimpse into the private life of a man who cherished his family but also ensures that his profound impact on the world of art and humanity will continue for generations to come.
Moreover, through these efforts, Malcolm-Jamall Warner’s legacy of creativity, kindness, and unwavering support for others will live on.
Warner’s Cosby Show co-star Phylicia Rashad honored him at Sunday’s Emmys. At the top of the annual ceremony’s in memoriam segment, she said he “remains in our hearts”.