Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation’s ‘Can We Talk?’ Centers Emotional Wellness in DC

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation hosted its "Can We Talk?" symposium in Washington this May, bringing community members, providers, and advocates together to focus on emotional health. Organizers emphasized culturally competent care for Black residents and highlighted how local programs and providers can support ongoing psychological wellness beyond the month-long spotlight.

Speakers and hosts framed the event around practical steps for managing emotions, with references to the encouragement of writers and leaders such as the late Maya Angelou to find healthy outlets. The symposium included informational tables connecting attendees with local mental-health resources, organizers said, and aimed to normalize conversations about stress, grief, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.

Local focus on Black mental health

Organizers discussed how cultural stigma and systemic barriers shape access to care in Washington, and stressed the importance of providers who understand community-specific experiences. The foundation has positioned the symposium as a venue to spotlight community-based organizations, clinicians, and programs that offer accessible, culturally responsive services inside the District.

Attendees were encouraged to identify practical strategies for emotional regulation and to map local points of contact for continued support. Event materials and presenters emphasized that while May is Mental Health Awareness Month, mental-health needs and outreach require year-round attention and sustained funding from local institutions.

How the symposium connects residents to services

The event featured resource tables and educational material designed to make it easier for participants to find counseling, support groups, and crisis services in the Washington region. Foundation staff and partner organizations collected contact information and shared pathways for referrals, including low-cost and sliding-scale options available in the city.

Organizers also underscored partnerships with local nonprofits and health providers to continue outreach after the symposium. The foundation’s approach couples public conversation with concrete service connections to reduce barriers to care for residents who may be hesitant to seek help.

Community leaders said that centering emotional wellness in a public forum helps reduce stigma and encourages employers, faith communities, and civic institutions to integrate mental-health supports into everyday settings.

Looking ahead, the foundation and partner organizations plan to use the symposium as a springboard for sustained programming and to expand connections between residents and local mental-health providers in the months that follow.