Today we’d like to introduce you to Harold JAY Trotter.
Harold JAY, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey began in San Diego at Bayview Baptist Church, which at the time was the largest Black church in the city. I was always front and center there. Singing, directing, speaking, watching, absorbing, getting into trouble, everything. That community motivated me, encouraged me, and helped shape my confidence early on. It was one of the first places where I understood the power of presence and storytelling, even before I had language for it.
I’ve always loved telling stories. One of the most influential films in my life was Sister Act 2. There’s a quote in the movie that says, “If you wake up in the morning and all you think about being is a writer, then you are a writer.” That line changed everything for me. It taught me that I didn’t have to wait for permission, a title, or an accolade to become who I already knew I was. If I could think it, I was it and then I could grow into it.
As a kid, I knew I was called to be an educator and a speaker on world stages. What I didn’t yet understand was that writing and storytelling would be the vehicle. Over time, I realized my stories especially the honest, uncomfortable, and human ones were the assignment.
Even though I’ve always known my purpose, I’ve always struggled with fulfilling it. Money always gets in the way of me completing my goals. There’s never been enough of it, and that struggle has been consistent. But what’s never wavered is my faith and the clarity that this is not a hobby. It has always been my purpose. I’ve never treated it as something to “try” but it’s something I’m responsible for carrying. I’m blessed to create, teach, produce, mentor, build spaces, and tell stories that reflect the lives and inner worlds of people who don’t always see themselves centered. And money can’t buy that…. but it can help fund it!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
To be clear, I started this business because I wasn’t getting opportunities so I created my own lane and my own opportunities. That decision changed everything but it also came with weight.
The work itself isn’t hard, but it is heavy. When you create something from the ground up, you’re not just chasing a vision but you’re accountable to the people you invite into it. Making sure I deliver on what I promise, protecting trust, and showing up consistently matters deeply to me, and that pressure doesn’t go away.
I always want to quit. Especially when money is low which is a very consistent theme in my life (laughs). Quitting is always an option; it’s just never been a solution. Pivoting, on the other hand, has been essential. Every season has required adjustment, reinvention, and learning how to move without losing the heart of the work.
In recent years, I’ve grown into a deeper understanding of the impact of what we do. The work is needed. The stories matter. And as I celebrate 10 years of building this business, I’m proud not because it was easy but because I stayed. I kept believing, kept pivoting, kept the faith, and kept building something bigger than myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
1989 Dreams Productions is a storytelling company rooted in purpose, impact, and representation. At its core, the brand exists to create opportunities and to tell stories that reflect the emotional, cultural, and spiritual truth of our communities.
We specialize in original theatrical work, touring productions, and educational programming that center Black experiences. The work is artistic, but it’s never art for art’s sake. Every project is created with intention create entertainment, innovate minds, and move generations through the work we present.
What we’re known for is honesty. Our stories don’t shy away from complexity or discomfort. We create work that feels familiar but still pushes audiences to think deeper and feel more fully. Whether someone comes to laugh, reflect, or heal, they leave having experienced something real.
What sets 1989 Dreams apart is our commitment to responsibility. I take seriously the trust people place in us. That’s from audiences, artists, students, collaborators to community partners. We’re celebrating 10 years, and that longevity came from those relationships, adaptability, faith, and an unwavering belief in the importance of the stories we tell.
1989 Dreams is bigger than entertainment. It’s about creating space, opening doors, and reminding people that their stories matter, their voices matter, and their presence matters. If someone encounters our work and leaves feeling more seen, more understood, more empowered, and of course, entertained, then we’ve done exactly what we were created to do.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
As a California native who moved to Houston, what I love most about this city is the culture. Houston has a bold, undeniable sense of Black excellence. People here are eating and I’m trying to sit at the table. The city has soul, confidence, and a Sunday Fun Day unlike any other. Once you’re here long enough, you realize Houston doesn’t just support culture but it creates it. I just want to give to the city what it’s given to me.
What I like least? The traffic. Coming from California, I thought I was prepared. I was not.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.1989dreams.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1989dreams
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1989derams
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@1989DreamsProductions
