THE CONVERSATION BEGINS: RECAPPING BLACK FUTURE MONTH PART 1

Last night something special happened. We kicked off Black Future Month Part 1, and honestly? The conversation was everything we hoped it would be, and more.

If you missed it, don't worry. We're breaking down the highlights right here. But here's the thing: this is just the beginning of the conversation. What we started last night is meant to keep going, keep building, and keep rising.

From the Golden Handcuffs to Freedom

One of the biggest topics that came up was the whole 9-to-5 versus entrepreneurship debate. And it wasn't a simple "this is good, that is bad" conversation. It was real, nuanced, and hit home for a lot of people.

Several folks on the call shared their experiences working stable, unionized jobs, places like the TTC or government roles. The kind of jobs our parents dreamed we'd have. Steady paycheque. Benefits. Pension. Security.

But here's what came out: a lot of people retired early from those "safe" jobs to chase their passion projects. Reggae music. Media platforms. Creative ventures. Things that made them feel alive.

Someone called it the "golden handcuffs." You're comfortable, yeah. But you're also stuck. Another person even called the traditional employment system a "modern-day plantation." Strong words, but it sparked a real conversation about creativity, individuality, and freedom.

The reality is, entrepreneurship has always been in the spirit of many people in our community. It's not new. What is new is that traditional jobs are disappearing faster than ever: thanks to AI, automation, and economic shifts. The 9-to-5 path our parents pushed us toward? It's not always there anymore.

So the question isn't really "Should I leave my job?" It's more like, "What am I building for my future?"

The Power of "Rise"

If there was one word that captured the vibe of the whole night, it was "Rise."

Inspired by the song "Rise" by Natural Fyah, the conversation kept circling back to this idea: we're stronger together. We rise together. Not just individually.

This isn't about everyone doing their own thing and hoping for the best. It's about collective wealth. Unity. Collaboration. Finding your people and building something bigger than yourself.

But: and this is important: not everyone is on the same team. That was said out loud, and it needed to be. Unity doesn't mean trusting everyone blindly. It means being intentional about who you partner with, who you collaborate with, and who you're building with.

Choose your circle wisely. Rise with the right people.

The Money Mindset Shift

Let's be honest: talking about money is uncomfortable. Especially when you're starting out, especially in your own community, and especially when you're doing work you're passionate about.

The group talked openly about the financial challenges of entrepreneurship. Starting a business without financial stability? That's scary. A few people shared how they used their 9-to-5 income to fund their side hustle at first, which is a smart move if you can swing it.

But the bigger issue that came up was this: asking for money.

Too many of us: especially when we're passionate about what we do: undervalue ourselves. We under-ask. We feel guilty charging what we're worth. We second-guess our prices.

One of the key takeaways from the night was this: you have to set appropriate value for your services. Not what you think people can afford. Not what feels "nice." What your service is actually worth.

If you've been building your skills for years, if you've invested time and money into your craft, if you bring something valuable to the table: you need to ask for what you deserve.

This is a mindset shift, and it's one we're all working on together.

Bartering and Value Exchange

Here's where things got really interesting.

The conversation shifted to bartering: trading value for value instead of always relying on money. And this wasn't just some hippie, "let's trade bread for candles" talk. This was strategic.

When you're building a platform, a brand, or a business, sometimes the most valuable thing someone can offer you isn't cash. It's their network. Their credibility. Their skill set. Their audience.

Someone on the call said it perfectly: your network and credibility, built over years, can't be bought or minimized.

Bartering in a respectful, intentional way allows people to work together, support each other, and build their platforms without waiting until they have thousands of dollars in the bank.

Value for value. Skills for skills. Collaboration for collaboration.

It's about seeing beyond the dollar sign and recognizing what people bring to the table.

Real Talk: Challenges for Black Women in Business

One of the most important moments of the night was when the unique challenges faced by Black women in entrepreneurship were put on the table.

Patriarchal systems. Being taken seriously. Negotiating value. Setting boundaries. All of it.

Black women are often expected to do more for less. To be humble. To not ask for too much. To be grateful for scraps.

And that's not okay.

The conversation acknowledged this reality head-on. It wasn't glossed over or sugar-coated. It was named, discussed, and respected.

Because if we're talking about rising together, we have to make sure everyone has the space and support to rise: not just the loudest voices in the room.

Morals Over Money

Another theme that came up was the idea of choosing morals over money.

This hit especially hard for parents on the call. The generation before us was often taught to chase stability and ignore passion. But this generation? We're trying to marry the two. We want to do work that feels right, not just work that pays the bills.

It's about setting an example for our kids. Showing them that you don't have to sell your soul to survive. That integrity matters. That you can build something meaningful and make a living.

It's not always easy. In fact, it's rarely easy. But it's worth it.

This Is Just the Beginning

So where do we go from here?

Last night was Part 1. The first conversation. The opening of the door.

The beauty of this series is that it's ongoing. We're not trying to solve everything in one night. We're creating a space where these conversations can happen regularly, where ideas can grow, where people can connect and collaborate.

Black Future Month isn't just about looking back at history: it's about building the future right now. Together.

If you were on the call, thank you for showing up and sharing your story. If you missed it, don't worry: there's more to come.

This is just the beginning of the conversation.

And we're just getting started.

Want to join the next Black Future Month conversation? Stay tuned for Part 2 details. Follow Toronto Deejays TV for updates, and let's keep this momentum going. The future is ours to build.