In North America the month of February plays a pivotal role in the celebration of who people of colour are. It is an opportunity to bring awareness of the history, the present, and the future of our black culture to this multi-ethnic society in which we domicile. It is often said that MEDIA helps to shape the minds of people, and so, kicking off BLACK HISTORY MONTH with a GROUP OF INTELLIGENT AND RENOWN MEDIA WORKERS here in Montreal, Quebec is a step in the right direction.
On February 1, 2016 five media workers participated in a live ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION on the VAULT K103/103.7 FM at 9 PM - 12 PM.
LISTEN TO VIDEO BELOW ON THE LEFT
"Get yourself empowered and START YOUR OWN BUSINESS. The big businesses are not hiring on a large scale anymore even if you have DEGREES. You are the first to be hired ad first to be fired."
Don Smooth, Malik Shaheed, Vibe Time, Denburk Reid, and Maya Johnson captured the attention of listeners across the Montreal region, disseminating a wealth of knowledge and experiences expressed and and articulated with profound conviction.Topics revolving around the heart ad soul of the BLACK COMMUNITY were brought to the fore. Entrepreneurship stood out tall as the GAME CHANGER for empowerment. As a budding entrepreneur this was music to m ears and immediately this panel ideas resonated with me.
ORGANIZATION MENTORING
This was strongly suggested. Excellent point indeed. I believe it is high time for community organizations which have been in existence for years like the BLACK COMMUNITY, Jamaica Association of Montreal and the likes here in Quebec to offer scaffolding to the upcoming ones. How about helping to FUNDING COMMUNITY PROJECTS and sponsoring LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS to prepare them to effectively continue the work which they have started. TOGETHERNESS is the only way way the black community can prosper and grow. IF BLACK PEOPLE UNITE THERE IS NOTHING STOPPING US FROM REACHING THE TOP. I think sometimes we tend to be the biggest obstacle to our progress in life.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE INTERNET
The panel felt that young people need to capitalize on the ONLINE EDUCATIONAL OUTLETS to develop their ENTREPRENEURIAL abilities and themselves. Too much time is wasted on nurturing virtual friendships instead of building real connections to better their lives.
MORE WEST INDIANS NEED TO OWN GROCERY MARKETS IN MONTREAL
It was noted that there are many grocery stores in Montreal operating under the name "WEST INDIAN STORES" yet only TWO (2) are known to be owned by people from the WEST INDIES (CARIBBEAN). Could this be that we as a people still suffer from the INFERIOR COMPLEX SYNDROME? Do some of us still live by the notion that ANYTHING THAT IS NOT BLACK IS THE BEST???? The change must come now and it must be with each one of us.
HOW DOES MONTREAL FEEL ABOUT LACK OF BLACK REPRESENTATIVE IN THE TOP NOMINATED AWARDS AT THE ACADEMY 2016?
According to a CTV poll "TALK BACK MONTREAL" 44% said they don't feel the Academy is TOO WHITE. Maya Johnson came to the defense of her workplace (CTV) by stating "it is not a huge sample size I don't know if that is a full representation of the whole of Montreal but it is indicative to a certain extent. If people are not affected by something then I guess they don't see it as a problem." Don strongly felt that Actress Jada Smith felt slighted because her husband Will Smith did not get nominated for his role in CONCUSSION. According to him he did not deserve a nomination. Other panel contributors feel that BLACK people DESERVE SOMETHING but we as a people need to focus more on the BIGGER PICTURE than ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS. Since the media portrays these two variables then it may me difficult to show people the other side since they may not even believe their is really another side.
MODERATOR AND DJ DON IN SESSION
WAS THE GOAL OF THIS HISTORIC ROUND TABLE REALIZED??
Since MEDIA controls the mind who is better to bring awareness about our BLACK culture to the mind than this outstanding group of YOUNG BLACK MEDIA WORKERS? I say yes this 1st ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION was a WIN for me. I will like to see it done not only at Black History Month but throughout the year. I hope THEY CAN FORM THEMSELVES INTO A TV SHOW OR SOMETHING PERMANENT and act as THE AUTHENTIC VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY. One people under one umbrella.
GROUP PIC OF THE PANEL
The Owner of this blog extends CONGRATULATIONS to this awesome team for a JOB WELL DONE. You are certainly a BEACON OF HOPE for our community!
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