Tenisha Warner Speaks Publicly for First Time Since Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Death, Establishes Foundation with Their Daughter

In a heartfelt message recently shared on Instagram, Tenisha Warner—wife of the late Malcolm-Jamal Warner—has for the first time publicly confirmed her identity following his unexpected death, while also unveiling two nonprofits created in his honor.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner passed away in July at age 54, after drowning during a family vacation in Costa Rica. Though the news shocked many, it wasn’t until early September that Tenisha broke her silence. On the day that would have marked their wedding anniversary, she posted a wedding photo from 2017, writing:

“Thank you for holding us in so much love during this tender time. Tomorrow marks our anniversary—and my heart is wide open. For the first time, I’m sharing a glimpse of the love that began it all.”

Her post reflects both remembrance and gratitude: “I can still hear my husband’s laugh, still feel the way he made room for every part of me—every tear, every dream.” It underscores the deep connection they shared, and how she intends to carry forward Malcolm-Jamal’s spirit and impact. 

Alongside their daughter, Tenisha is launching two initiatives:

1. The Warner Family Foundation – Primarily focused on awarding scholarships to young people pursuing arts education. Its flagship scholarship, the Malcolm-Jamal Warner Creative Legacy Scholarship, is targeted at aspiring creatives aged 14-22 who express themselves across multiple disciplines—whether combining poetry and painting, music and acting, or other mixed forms.
2. River & Ember – A program that supplies parents with “seasonal toolkits” featuring artistic activities and emotional wellness practices aimed at helping children and their families navigate grief, build emotional resilience, and stay connected in ways that nurture inner calm.

Tenisha describes her late husband as both river and ember: steady, flowing toward what matters, and glowing with encouragement—an inspiration for these new efforts. 

Tenisha’s message and the establishment of these foundations illustrate a journey many can relate to: loss, love, and the choice to transform mourning into meaningful legacy. By anchoring their public remembrance in tangible support—for young artists, for emotional healing—she provides not just tribute, but action.

Her announcement serves several roles: it honors Malcolm-Jamal’s memory, affirms her identity in the public eye, and frames grief as a catalyst for creativity and connection rather than silence.