The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF), founded by Academy Award–nominated actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson, will host its 5th Annual Can We Talk? Multicultural Arts & Wellness Summit from Oct. 10–12, 2025, at National Harbor.
The three-day event, presented in partnership with Prince George’s County Council Chair Edward P. Burroughs III, coincides with World Mental Health Day on October 10 and aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in marginalized communities.
The summit will bring together therapists, wellness practitioners, cultural leaders, policymakers, celebrities, and community members for discussions and activities centered on healing, belonging, and global wellness practices. It will also feature a World Art Bazaar showcasing multicultural art, crafts, and therapeutic resources.
“Humans need humans,” Henson said in a statement. “We want communities everywhere to collectively build tables of joy. We’re creating spaces that honor safety, belonging, and dignity, where people feel seen and empowered to heal, here at home and in communities around the world.”
Burroughs called the summit BLHF’s “biggest event to date” and said he will make a major announcement during the weekend about an expanded partnership with the foundation. “Together we are not just envisioning change, we are making it a reality,” he said.
Tracie Jade Jenkins, co-founder and executive director of BLHF, described the event as “a community celebration and a global call to action.” She added, “Behind every number is a heartbeat. A dreamer. A survivor. Someone who deserves not only to survive, but to thrive.”
Event Highlights
Friday, Oct. 10 — World Mental Health Day
The opening day includes panel discussions such as “When the Village Feels Divided: Bridging Beliefs & Generations,” “All God’s Children Got Wings,” and “They Look Like Us.” Healing circles will feature cultural traditions like Ring Shouts and Afro-Indigenous Choctaw sound medicine.
The evening will conclude with a networking reception and concert at MGM National Harbor.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Workshops across National Harbor will highlight more than 20 traditional multicultural wellness practices, including Japanese forest bathing, Capoeira, and a Heritage Aroma Bar. The World Art Bazaar will also be open throughout the day.
Sunday, Oct. 12 — “i AM The Table” Benefit Brunch
The summit will close with the inaugural “i AM The Table” Benefit Brunch hosted by Henson. Special guests include Megan Thee Stallion, Wale, Sherri Shepherd, Abby Phillip, Lisa Vidal, and Dr. Jay Barnett. The event will feature live jazz, red carpet arrivals, and a VIP experience celebrating resilience, community, and joy.
Rooted in BLHF’s mission to eliminate stigma surrounding mental health, the Can We Talk? Summit has evolved into what organizers call a “cultural homecoming”—a space for connection, storytelling, and collective healing.
More information about the summit and registration details is available through the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation.
