BET Media Group Named Premier Sponsor for Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation’s Can We Talk? Symposium on May 30-31, 2024

Collaboration Marks Continued Commitment to Mental Health Advocacy and Accessible Care in the Black Community

New York, NY – May 14, 2024 – BET Media Group proudly announces its continued partnership with the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) for the highly anticipated 2024 Can We Talk? Symposium. Founded by the renowned actress Taraji P. Henson, BLHF is dedicated to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community. Through this ongoing collaboration, BET and BLHF aim to further their commitment to providing 1 million hours of free mental health services to the Black community via The Joy Challenge.

Since its inception last spring, the 1 Million Hours Joy Challenge has already delivered over 150,000 hours of free mental health services, marking significant progress toward its ambitious goal. Addressing the stark mental health care disparity, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope and support, bridging the gap in mental health care for the Black community by providing essential resources and services.

The Can We Talk? Symposium promises an unforgettable experience for mental health professionals, community advocates, and individuals passionate about mental health awareness and support. Set to take place on May 30-31, 2024, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, DC, the event will focus on the theme of “Radical Attunement,” emphasizing deep listening, empathetic understanding, and authentic connection.

Attendees can expect a variety of engaging activities, including lively mixers, thought-provoking panels, inspiring fireside chats, integrative wellness sessions, and an exciting ’80s/’90s party at BoBo’s Joy Joint. The symposium’s lineup of events is designed to foster genuine connections, empower individuals, and provide practical strategies for mental health and well-being.

“BET Media Group is honored to continue our partnership with the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation for the Can We Talk? Symposium” said Tiyale Hayes, Executive Vice President of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics at BET Media Group. “Together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community and providing accessible resources and support through The Joy Challenge. This continued partnership reflects our shared dedication to creating a culture of mental wellness and empowerment.”

“Through the Can We Talk? Symposium, we aim to provide attendees with the tools and insights they need to navigate life's challenges with resilience and compassion," said Taraji P. Henson, Founder and President of Boris Lawerence Henson Foundation. "By coming together to explore our theme, Radical Attunement, we can create a world where every individual feels valued and respected.”

"The Can We Talk? Symposium is more than just an event - it's a platform for attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue, share their stories, and cultivate a sense of belonging," says Tracie Jade Jenkins, BLHF Executive Director. "We are thrilled to partner with BET to create an environment where attendees can embrace authenticity and empower one another."

The Can We Talk? Symposium promises to be a transformative experience, uniting individuals in a shared commitment to mental health and well-being. Join us for two days of connection, empowerment, and celebration as we redefine mental health practices within the Black community.

For more information and to register for the Can We Talk? Symposium, visit https://borislhensonfoundation.org/can-we-talk/.

ABOUT BET MEDIA GROUP

The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARAA; PARA; PARAP), is the world’s largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Black audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is a thriving media ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international.

ABOUT THE BORIS LAWRENCE HENSON FOUNDATION (BLHF)
Founded in 2018, BLHF has built its reputation on providing trusted referrals and demonstrating a deep understanding of the population health of communities of Color. Through timely and relevant programming and awareness campaigns, BLHF encourages mental wellness, raises awareness of the stigma and the use of stigmatizing language when referring to mental illness, and provides mental health resources to the Black community.

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is charting a new course that encourages Black individuals to own their history, heritage, and collective wounds in empowering, empathic, and transformative ways and help our communities to believe in joy over everything.

For more information, visit https://borislhensonfoundation.org/.

Media Contacts:

Mercedes Smith
BET Media Group
Mercedes.Smith@bet.net

Erica Knox
BET Media Group
Erica.Knox@bet.net

Priscilla Clarke
Clarke PR, LLC
Priscilla@clarkepr.com