black stuff coming out of my new brita filter into the water, is it safe?

That's carbon dust, and while it's not harmful, you need to flush it out.

1. Remove the filter from the pitcher.
2. Rinse it under cold, running tap water for 15 seconds. This washes away loose carbon particles.
3. Reinstall it, lining up the groove in the filter with the ridge in the reservoir.
4. Fill the pitcher completely with cold tap water and let it filter through.
5. Discard this first pitcher of water. Do this two more times (three pitchers total). It's normal to see some carbon dust in these first few batches.

After discarding three pitchers, the water should be clear. If black particles persist, contact Brita. Also, always pour new water into the side of the reservoir, not directly onto the filter, to minimize disturbance.