BMHA is proud to join BTST Services as regional partners with Taraji P. Henson’s Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation for its first annual “Can We Talk?” Conference & Benefit Dinner.

The two-day conference, starting on Saturday, June 8, will be hosted in Washington DC at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and feature some of the best and most dynamic presenters, researchers, authors, and educators across the country such as Dr. Joy DeGruy! Dr. DeGruy will facilitate the Ethics Training under the theme of her seminal work, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. Others will speak on a diverse range of behavioral health issues directly related to Black people and vulnerable communities, including a full complement of local thought leaders: BMHA Board Vice President Dr. LaKeita Carter, BMHA Board Member and BTST COO Jada McCray, LCSW-C, Dr. Lamar Shields, David Miller, Changa Bell, Shawna Murray-Browne, LCSW-C, Chris Simon, LSW, and Dr. Jeff Menzise.

On June 8, BMHA will host and convene the It Takes a Village panel of leaders including Patricia Newton, MD (Black Psychiatrists of America), Altha Stewart, MD (American Psychiatric Association), Theopia Jackson, PhD (Association of Black Psychologists) and Annelle Primm, MD (The Steve Fund). They represent a suite of advocacy and membership organizations focused on the mind health of Black people.

Chris Simon, CEO of BTST, has assembled a stellar panel of behavioral health CEOs
on June 8 for A View from the Top. Presenters will share an MBA-like perspective of running a behavioral health organization or academic department. They also will share ways they have found in their respective institutions and in the field to increase impact and healing in our communities.

Taraji P. Henson will be present and participate in a live interview with Charlamagne Tha God during a lavish luncheon at the conference on June 8 discussing her story and mental health. BTST Medical Director Dr. Judith Boyer and BMHA Board President Dr. Jonathan Shepherd will join this discussion. Additionally, on Friday, June 7 at the Newseum, Taraji will be inviting some of her celebrity friends, influencers, and the general public to a benefit dinner/concert which will serve as a fundraiser for the Henson Foundation.

Save The Dates June 7-9, Newseum and Grand Hyatt Hotel – Washington DC. “Can We Talk?” Conference and Benefit Dinner. For more information about the training topics, presenters, registration, tickets or sponsorship visit canwetalkevent.com.

Until Victory is Won!

Jan Desper Peters

BMHA Executive Director