ROCHESTER, N.Y. — In an effort to raise awareness on mental health in the Black community, community members like Sara Taylor are starting the conversation.

“Talking about mental health is often a taboo for many communities of color,” said Sara Taylor, founder and CEO of BIPOC PEEEEEEK Family Project.

This is why the theme of this year’s BIPOC PEEEEEK Free Educational series to address mental health in the Black community is about being each other’s medicine and breaking those stigmas.

“Many communities of color, Black communities when it comes to mental health and social and emotional health, we’re taught not to talk about it publicly, what goes on in our homes stays in our homes,” Taylor said. ”But we also know that that is not good. It’s not healthy for us. It’s often traumatizing and re-traumatizing. And we must talk about it.”

Research done by Columbia University’s department of psychiatry suggests that the Black community is 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

“Just like other health care disparities, there are also disparities and inequities in mental health,” Taylor said. “And so by talking about it boldly, with experts from diverse backgrounds, that what this series is about, education and learning.”

The series is emphasizing teaching and learning the importance of working together as a community.

“The Black church has to be more than just a place where we gather but really be a spiritual OASIS where those that are hurting and broken can be a part of a healing community,” said Dan T. Butler, pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Rochester.

“If we can go to the medical doctor for physical issues, then we need to be able to know what practitioners that we have in our community that can augment the work that we do as a spiritual entity, instead of rejecting it and looking at it as though that’s taboo. But being open to the work that we all collaborate together to make a difference in a person’s life.“

It’s making the goal of educating the community loud and clear.

“How important it is for us to say, ‘It’s OK to talk about, let’s get some help,'" Taylor said. "But, more importantly, let’s get some help from someone who understands our culture and understands our journey."