INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A local organization is creating space for honest conversations around the challenges the Black community in Indianapolis faces.

Let Them Talk is a local organization that provides education, mental wellness, and financial literacy resources. They recently presented data at the 2nd annual Melanin Table Talk discussion highlighting dangerous trends affecting the Black community.

“It is seriously concerning. Things are urgent, but I still think the Black community is resilient. I think that we are hopeful and I think we are still finding ways to come together,” Let Them Talk Co-Founder Dr. Heather Savage said.

The biggest challenges facing the Black community in Indiana are a lack of educational resources, a lack of mental health awareness, and an excess of youth violence. Savage says only 10% of Black students in Marion County are proficient in both English and math, and one in two Indiana high school students report feeling sad and lonely.

Over the past five years, there has been a 144% increase in Black youth suicide rates, Savage said.

Youth violence contributes to the mental health crisis, she says. The number of fatal shootings have gone down in the state since last year, but the number of non-fatal shootings have gone up 7%. She says retaliation is the cause.

“That seems to be the biggest piece: trying to get back at the person or get back at the family who did something to their family member is what the kids have been telling us,” Savage said.

Let Them Talk aims to bridge generational gaps to help teachers, parents, and local organizations get access to help and better connect with youth.

“What we provide for our kids is a safe place … a place to articulate themselves. Not only articulate themselves but to have somebody to support you and have your back,” Daniel Mills, Let Them Talk co-founder, said.

As Savage sees it, talking about it is just the beginning. Getting in the community and making resources accessible will help make a real change.

“If we decide to work for the betterment of the community, for the betterment of the families, I really think we can address some of these crises we’re seeing,” she said.

Let Them Talk hosts a city-wide initiative every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month to create a safe, inclusive space for kids ages 13-17.