FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — One of the prevailing concerns in the black community is when young talented residents go off to college, their return and continued residence in South Florida is no guarantee. Large urban metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Chicago and New York are seen by some as preferred places for young professionals to call home because many believe those locations offer opportunities for them to excel in their careers while also enjoying a vibrant social life that includes connecting with their peers.

Legacy Magazine is hosting an event to address how to keep South Florida’s talented black professionals in South Florida. ‘Retention of Black Talent in South Florida’ happens on Oct. 29 at the Urban League of Broward County. The social services organization is a fitting venue for the discussion, as its Young Professionals Network offers an example of networking, mentoring and opportunities to engage young professionals in an approach that ultimately helps to strengthen their ties to South Florida.

“Our community wants an opportunity to thrive and enjoy life here in South Florida – this means that wages that meet and exceed the cost of living, funding for budding entrepreneurs, and improved access to culture and entertainment are needed. My hope is that the Retention of Black Talent will be a catalyst to improve South Florida’s black experience, which in turn will reduce the flight of black professional talent,” said Erica V. Knowles-Nelson, editor in chief of Legacy Magazine.