Even though recent statistics show new HIV infections are down among minorities the rate is still sky high. And a Brooklyn man is trying to raise awareness by sharing a very painful journey. Our Cheryl Wills has his story.

Winfield Sergeant spends many of his days at this soup kitchen in Brooklyn.

He does what he calls "love pop-ups" — in which he canvasses the city to share a powerful message.

"Once you have HIV you can't give it back," he said. "It's not a death sentence but it's also a life sentence."

Sergeant believes he contracted HIV when he was about 19. He's 45 years old.

"I'm using my positive status to make a positive influence not only on my home but in my community because I'm not ashamed," he said.

He's not ashamed but he is frightened by the alarming numbers of minorities who are being infected. New  statistics by the city's health department show blacks and Latinos make up just over 50 percent of the population — yet they represent nearly 80% of new HIV diagnoses.

Winfield Sergeant has his own theory for the soaring rates.

"With gentrification comes new drugs — drugs like molly drugs like crystal meth — drugs led inhibitions they take drugs and do whatever and while they do whatever they are not thinking about consequences," he said.

From soup kitchens to churches, Winfield Sergeant shares his personal experience and he tries to get young people to think before they act.  

"I think Winfield is an amazing guy," said Rev. NaRon Tillman with St. Phillips Christian Church. "He's courageous to be able to talk about the things he's been through in life and to be able to share with such conviction and compassion."

But there is some encouraging news. Health officials say the annual number of HIV diagnoses have dipped below 2,500 for the first time in the history of the epidemic. In addition, in a city that has wrestled for years over what to do with HIV infected infants, there were no HIV infections diagnosed among babies born in the city in 2015.

But Winfield Sergeant says outreach and education must continue.

"The only thing I can do now is either allow this to take me out or allow it to take me to the next level," he said.