At the core of this work are Community Conversations—intentional, dialogue-based gatherings organized by group and hosted in phases. The Community Conversations are designed to hold space for judgment-free discussions about experiences, perspectives, and insights. Individuals with lived experience, service providers, families, loved ones, and community members are provided their own space to convene and converse.

Community Conversations are NOT:

Community Conversations are safe spaces for:

Through these conversations, the Black & OCD Think Tank will work to:

Amplify Black voices that are often overlooked in the OCD literature
Identify real barriers to knowledge, resources, care, and support
Depict how OCD is experienced within the Black cultural context
Build connections, partnerships, and relationships that support ongoing engagement
Inform training, outreach, and future initiatives in support of culturally-responsive practices
Ensure that future research involving Black Americans with OCD remains community-informed