CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
Content and local news specifically for the Northwest’s Black community. We believe that the Black community deserves authentic representation, a focus on our community’s issues, and equitable access to elected officials, leadership, and governmental information.
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For decades, Bubbling Brown Sugar has been giving our community goosebumps with the epic moves that happen on the floor, while creating nostalgic vibes from seeing different friends and family members that we haven’t seen for a while, due to a lot of us now not living in the central district anymore.
The Seattle Storm unveiled their Center for Basketball Performance, a home for our Storm players so they no longer have to occupy the SPU courts for practice. The Center provides the Storm two brand new courts and a strength training room for training, but also options for recovery in a health and wellness suite and aquatics center. A great way for the Storm to begin training camp for their 25th season!
In honor of National Poetry Month, Besa Gordon engaged in a captivating conversation with Acacia Salisbury, a producer at Converge Media and a talented poet. Acacia's journey with poetry began at the tender age of 7 when her grandmother introduced her to the renowned poet and author Maya Angelou. Together, they delved into the origins of National Poetry Month, Acacia's personal journey with poetry, the vibrant poetry community in Seattle, and strategies for crafting a poem each day.
For National Poetry Month, Besa Gordon highlighted talented poets around the greater Seattle area on Back2Besa over the weekend. One of those poets was Rhea Melina, who performed her poem “Pulling Down God Is Easy” at the Black Media Matters Studio.
In honor of National Poetry Month, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon highlighted four talented poets from the greater Seattle area. One of those poets was Joel Duran, an Afro-Latino poet born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Brooklyn, New York, who now calls Seattle home. Joel's poetry touches on themes of love, gentrification, and the complexities of city life.
In honor of National Poetry Month, Besa Gordon highlighted some incredible poets here in the greater Seattle area on Back2Besa over the weekend. One of the featured poets was Ebo Barton, who performed his poem "Freedom Cut Me Loose" at the Black Media Matters Studio.
Facing The Reign is the story of Jessa Thomas, the inspiring 17-year-old cowgirl from Kittitas County, Washington, who is the reigning Miss Teen Rodeo Washington 2024 and the first African-American state title holder.
Jessa's passion for caring for animals extends beyond the rodeo arena. At home on Windswept Farms, she raises miniature Herefords and looks after the farm's livestock. Her natural ability to care for animals has driven her to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Red Bull Lords Of The Floor made its long-awaited return to the Emerald City after over two decades, and our cameras and Besa Gordon was there to witness it all as breaking took over the city of Seattle.
Red Bull's Lords of the Floor week kicked off with a bang last at Darkalino's and Hometown in Pioneer Square. The welcome mixer set the stage for an electrifying week ahead, encapsulating the essence of hip-hop culture and camaraderie.
On April 6th, our cameras and host of Back2Besa, Besa Gordon, witnessed the vibrant energy of breakdancing enthusiasts and aficionados filled the WaMu Theatre as Red Bull's esteemed event, Lords of the Floor, took center stage. Guided by the charismatic hosting of Tacoma's own Jo Koy, and graced with a mesmerizing performance by the legendary Common, the evening unfolded into a spectacle of talent and passion.
Not too long ago, the Tacoma Art Museum buzzed with energy as the Griot Party Experience made its triumphant return. This time, the vibrant celebration of culture and creativity found its home within the walls of the museum, marking a shift from its previous spotlight at Langston Hughes in the Central District.
March 30th marked a poignant moment as N The Kutt Dance Studio in Des Moines, WA, closed its doors for the final time. The studio, along with its founder Koach "Giggz" Crosby (who is also the founder of Kutt’ N’ Up dance team), has been an integral part of the greater Puget Sound community for years, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless young dancers, including our own Besa Gordon.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Burien, just south of Seattle, is a culinary gem that has captured the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike. Classic Eats, owned by the passionate Chef Tony Hayes, has not only become a beloved dining spot for Burien residents but also a destination for food enthusiasts across the Seattle metro area.
#ICYMI - Last weekend on Back2Besa on we covered Seattle Kraken Pride Night where Deaunte Damper and the Lavender Rights Project were honored for their advocacy work in the LGBTQ community in Seattle. We also spotlighted artist Nikita Ares who designed the pride night themed jersey.
Did you know that Anthony and Marlie Love from Traveling While Black have produced over 150 episodes highlighting locations and destinations all across the Pacific Northwest and even to places as far away as Belize and the Galapagos islands!
Vibe Bingo made its way to Seattle at Victory Hall, right across the street from T-Mobile Park, for a special Ladies First edition in honor of Women’s History Month and a portion of the proceeds going to Softball and Beyond Borders.
Plus, what made this Vibe Bingo special, was the focus on woman-owned businesses, and believe me, there were a lot of them present, 15 to be exact.
Speaking of Black Women-owned businesses, some of you know that I love crystals, and I’ve been into them and the positive vibes that they bring to my personal life since I was about 19 years old. Well, a few weeks ago, I found out about a Black-owned crystal shop in Cap Hill owned by Charika Wilson, and earlier this week, I finally had the opportunity to stop by and check it out.
t’s finally baseball season ya’ll, and for a second year in a row, Besa Gordon got invited to the annual Mariners Food Preview at T-Mobile Park. This is where media professionals from all over the region are invited for a sneak peek, or should I say a sneak taste, of all the good stuff on the menu this season at the ballpark, and also hear all about the food concepts from T-Mobile Park Executive Chef, Chef Javier Rosa.
Last July, during All-Star Week, a promise was made to the youth of South Seattle by MLB Commissioner Manfred, Mayor Harrell, and the Mariners. They dedicated Rainier Playfield as an MLB Legacy project and vowed to transform it into a state-of-the-art facility, ensuring children could enjoy baseball year-round. This commitment was intended to be the lasting legacy of the All-Star festivities in Seattle.
Although the Red Bull Lords of the Floor main event is April 6th at WAMU, the Red Bull team has been active out here in these Emerald City Streets for the past few weeks, tapping in with different hip-hop culture communities, and part of their outreach has included discussions, workshops, and even literally, putting some paint where it ain't on some barren walls across the city.
Did you know that one of the biggest legendary dance battles in the world is coming back to Seattle on April 6th? I am talking about The Red Bull Lords of the Floor, returning to the Emerald City after over 20 years. It’ll bring the world's best break dancers to compete head-to-head before many of them fly off to Paris to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
Written by: Besa Gordon - Yesterday was officially #OpeningDay for Major League Baseball, and let me tell you, friend. Your girl lived her best life last year. If I were to be really honest, last year has to be my favorite baseball season yet.
Seattle's vibrant art scene was on full display at the recent 8th edition of The Still In Our Feels showcase, held at AXIS Pioneer Square. As I stepped into the event, I was immediately immersed in a sea of creativity, surrounded by local artists, performers, and enthusiasts alike.
Earlier this month, Besa Gordon, host of Back2Besa, jumped on a plane and flew to the heart of Spokane for the You Oughta Know Panel held at the Washington Cracker Building for an enlightening discussion on media etiquette and professionalism. The event was curated by Ryker and aimed to provide local artists with essential tools for navigating the media landscape.
For a decade now, the Northwest has been graced by the dazzling spectacle of the Reign of Style Hair Show and competition. This annual extravaganza, now in its 10th year, was born from the visionary mind of Aisha Ellis-Asim. Recognizing a void in the region's hair show scene, Aisha set out to fill it, thus giving birth to Reign Competitions NW.
#RiseAbove - In today’s world, where challenges can seem insurmountable, there shines a beacon of hope for Native American youth. RiseAbove, with its unwavering mission, stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of these young individuals to carve out healthier and more fulfilling lives, despite the odds stacked against them.
Around the Puget Sound, a new sensation has been taking the nightlife scene by storm, and it's not your grandmother's bingo. Welcome to Vibe Bingo – an electrifying fusion of music, camaraderie, and, yes, a bit of luck.
In 2012, inspired by her own experience with homelessness, Nikki Gane-Butler took a bold step to address the unmet needs of women in transition by founding Dignity for Divas. This organization has since become a beacon of hope for countless women across Western Washington.
Latest From The Blog
In the second episode of the second season of "We Live in Color," host Deaunte Damper welcomed Jermell Witherspoon, a pastor from the Liberation United Church of Christ (LUCC), renowned for its radical progressivism within the Pentecostal tradition. This segment delves into Witherspoon's poignant journey from his formative years grappling with his sexuality in a religious environment to discovering his calling as a pastor. With heartfelt sincerity, he emphasizes the impact of LUCC's inclusive ethos on the community it serves, underscoring a commitment to acceptance and empowerment.
Kizha Davidson joined guest host Deaunte Damper to talk about NAAM, the Northwest African American Museum. Davidson has been a NAAM Board Member for two and a half years, yet even before that she always had the museum on her mind, as this is NAAM’s 16th anniversary year.
Recently, on The Day with Trae, André Franklin joined guest host Deaunte Damper to talk about B.U.I.L.D., Brothers United In Leadership Development. Franklin is a founding member of B.U.I.L.D., a grassroots organization with the vision that Black men are empowered leaders and mentors who make positive change in our community by instilling pride, hope, perseverance in Black men.
Tomorrow is Eat What You Want Day and during Besa's appearance on FOX 13's Good Day Seattle, Besa Gordon previewed the Eat What You Want segment and talked about a few places you can go to eat well.
This week on The Day With Trae has seen guest host Deaunte Damper bring a new energy to the show. Featuring guests like Pastor Leslie Braxton, Dré Franklin, Malik Banks and Michelle McClendon, Damper has brought his signature style to the airwaves as he shares important information.
Originally from Somalia, Farah has seen war, he has seen refugee camps, and he came to this country getting chased by war. He landed in a small Boston-suburb, the only African there. For Farah there are two Americas. The America that Farah watched on TV while he was at a refugee camp, this America, Farah looked at as a metaphorical heaven.
One of the big endeavors they have taken on this year is the second year of BLASTFEST in July. BLASTFEST is a celebration of Seattle's vibrant and diverse population, uniting people through the vibrant sounds and cultural richness of Afrobeats music.
On Thursday, May 9, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced plans to finance an initiative launched by the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) to establish a facility dedicated to supporting individuals in their recovery from post-drug overdoses, particularly of fentanyl. The announcement occurred at the DESC Morrison Hotel building, poised to become the facility's future home, aptly named the Overdose Recovery and Care Access Center (ORCA).
To begin a four-game road series against the red hot Minnesota Twins, the Seattle Mariners failed to muster three hits and just one run as they fell and wasted a strong pitching performance from Luis Castillo.
A creative force in Seattle's fashion scene and beyond, Akia Ronai has carved out a distinguished career as a personal stylist, a fashion engineer, and a businesswoman. Her portfolio includes singers India Arie, Choklate, and Converge's very own Besa Gordon among her list of styled personalities. Recently, Ronai joined Gordon on Back2Besa to unveil a collection of spring essentials curated by her aimed to upgrade anyone's outfit with a colorful blend of comfort and style, offering a glimpse into the latest trends set to redefine wardrobes this season.
For decades, Bubbling Brown Sugar has been giving our community goosebumps with the epic moves that happen on the floor, while creating nostalgic vibes from seeing different friends and family members that we haven’t seen for a while, due to a lot of us now not living in the central district anymore.
Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival today unveils the 2024 cohort of its Workforce Development Program. The six-month, tuition-free program for 19 young adults residing in Seattle provides mentorship and teaches the technical, creative and business aspects of the live entertainment industry to prepare participants for future work in the field of live entertainment.
“Around 2020, brands started to target people of color, they wanted more diversity for their marketing, which was exciting at first until I realized how performative a lot of these brands were,” Bhagwandin said. “I think that's kind of what we're seeing now, a few years down the road after all of this “awakening,” and just people of color being “trendy.”Unfortunately, we now see less funding for athletes of color than before 2020.”
Not too long ago at A Space Inside, Dr. Ben Danielson and Abigail Echohawk had a panel discussion moderated by Sierra Jones, co-owner of A Space Inside. The conversation took the audience on a journey of examining, accepting, and declaring what is deserved by the institutions that are meant to serve, specifically in the health and wellness department. Dr Ben and Abigail co-chair the County's "Racism is a Public Health Crisis" Initiative under County Executive Dow Constantine, which seeks to mitigate the harm done by government institutions toward BIPOC communities in the area.
Aishé Keita joined Trae Holiday on a recent segment of The Day With Trae to discuss her career, her work, and "Fat Ham," a Pulitzer Prize-winning theatrical production created by James Ijame currently being presented at Seattle Repertory Theatre. With a passion for storytelling ingrained in her since childhood, Keita's journey as an actress and storyteller has been deeply influenced by her own father's storytelling.
This week on Back2Besa, we head to SoDo for the Sonics was taken event. We sail with the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, we head to Renton for the 2024 Northwest Naturals Expo, and we hear from our friends at Ground Zero Radio as they head to the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma to learn about their youth programs.
Joining Trae Holiday on this episode of "The Day With Trae" is the opera sensation Taylor Raven. Raven will soon be captivating audiences with her upcoming performance of the Seattle Opera's rendition of ‘The Barber of Seville,’ the timeless comic opera by Gioachino Rossini. In this segment, Taylor shares insights into her journey, from her early career beginnings to her experiences as a distinguished opera singer, and delves into her collaborations with the Seattle Opera.
Season two of "We Live in Color," hosted by Deaunte Damper, launched its premiere featuring the remarkable Randy Ford. In this segment, Ford delves into her beginnings, career, and role as the newest Executive Director of CD Forum. Ford was born and raised in Columbia City, Seattle, with a religious background. Ford's youth was marked by nomadic transitions throughout South King County, all while navigating her gender identity.
A new episode of Back2Besa is coming up this Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle, and we have a special story for you! We're excited to share the inspiring journey of Nikita Mathis, who just celebrated 23 years of Platinum Plush Fashions being in business. Not only that, but she also received a tenant improvement grant from the Seattle Office of Economic Development, which allowed her to have a grand re-opening.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell convened a second public safety forum on Tuesday, April 30, to address gun violence and explore comprehensive solutions to community safety concerns. Held at Garfield High School's gymnasium, the event brought representatives from 14 city departments, offering citizens an interactive opportunity to discuss public safety and related concerns directly with officials.
Earlier this week eleven 70 foot racing yachts and 200 fearless non-professional sailors arrived at Bell Harbor in Seattle after a 6000 nautical mile race across the North Pacific Ocean from Qingdao, China as part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is the only event of its kind which trains everyday people to become ocean racers.
Seattle Mariners designated hitter Mitch Garver is still searching for his footing at the plate. What's behind his slow start to 2024? Brittany Wisner takes a closer look.
The Seattle Storm unveiled their Center for Basketball Performance, a home for our Storm players so they no longer have to occupy the SPU courts for practice. The Center provides the Storm two brand new courts and a strength training room for training, but also options for recovery in a health and wellness suite and aquatics center. A great way for the Storm to begin training camp for their 25th season!
On April 27, 2024, a heartfelt gathering took place at Leschi in Seattle, where more than 20 family descendants of Powell S. Barnett, along with school officials and community members, gathered to rededicate his portrait. This event not only honored Barnett's remarkable life but also highlighted his enduring impact on the community.
In honor of National Poetry Month, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon highlighted four talented poets from the greater Seattle area. One of those poets was Joel Duran, an Afro-Latino poet born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Brooklyn, New York, who now calls Seattle home. Joel's poetry touches on themes of love, gentrification, and the complexities of city life. During the segment, Joel performed his poem "The Girl On The Bus." Be on the lookout for Joel's upcoming release of his bilingual poetry collection, "Infatuated: Un Poeta Enamorado," which explores the initial stages of love.
Behind the power of their strong pitching and the long ball, tonight courtesy of Jorge Polanco, the Seattle Mariners pulled out an impressive and tight 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves to give them their fifth consecutive series victory.
“We are here today to make sure that people know that he was very well loved by his family and by his community. He graduated from Garfield High School and attended Eastern Washington, a real renaissance man and musician, inventor, and very spiritual person who brought peace and positive energy,” said Wyking Garrett about his uncle, 81 year old Thomas Joe Garrett who was killed in a hit and run on Monday, April 22nd just south of the intersection of SW Roxbury Street and 15th Ave SW in unincorporated White Center.
Sonics fans, unite! Earlier this month, the SonicsWasTaken event that took place in SoDo brought together fans from all over the city to celebrate their love of basketball, fashion, art, design, music, culinary delights, libations, and community. Host Trae Holiday from The Day With Trae caught up with Sonics to discuss why they want the team back and what the community is doing to make it happen.
Besa’s Favorite Stories
Did you know that May 11th is National Eat What You Want Day? In case you haven’t noticed, just about every day of the year is a National or International holiday. In honor of this delicious day, Besa Gordon suggested six different restaurants that we’ve gone to this season, from Seattle to Portland, and literally ate whatever we wanted.
For decades, Bubbling Brown Sugar has been giving our community goosebumps with the epic moves that happen on the floor, while creating nostalgic vibes from seeing different friends and family members that we haven’t seen for a while, due to a lot of us now not living in the central district anymore.
The Seattle Storm unveiled their Center for Basketball Performance, a home for our Storm players so they no longer have to occupy the SPU courts for practice. The Center provides the Storm two brand new courts and a strength training room for training, but also options for recovery in a health and wellness suite and aquatics center. A great way for the Storm to begin training camp for their 25th season!
In honor of National Poetry Month, Besa Gordon engaged in a captivating conversation with Acacia Salisbury, a producer at Converge Media and a talented poet. Acacia's journey with poetry began at the tender age of 7 when her grandmother introduced her to the renowned poet and author Maya Angelou. Together, they delved into the origins of National Poetry Month, Acacia's personal journey with poetry, the vibrant poetry community in Seattle, and strategies for crafting a poem each day.
For National Poetry Month, Besa Gordon highlighted talented poets around the greater Seattle area on Back2Besa over the weekend. One of those poets was Rhea Melina, who performed her poem “Pulling Down God Is Easy” at the Black Media Matters Studio.
Back2Besa
Back2BESA is an engaging and informative weekly show that highlights the latest trends, celebrates inspiring stories, and features interviews with notable people.
The hour-long show, airing on Fox 13 and Fox 13 +, is the place where you can explore a different side of the Pacific Northwest and the people who make it special. You can also see Back2Besa anywhere on FOX13Seattle.com and on the FOX13Seattle App.
Back2Besa is the most unique and uplifting hour on Local TV! Join us each week for a dose of positivity and inspiration that's sure to make your week better!
The Day With Trae
The Day With Trae is the perfect way to get your morning started. Join TraeAnna Holiday Monday to Friday from 11 - 11:30 am as she brings a variety of guests to the Black Media Matters Studio. Trae plans to focus on Black brilliance from around the Puget Sound, bringing various guests and topics to her show each day.
Viewers can expect exciting content curated around themes like health & wellness, fashion, travel, business and more. The show will also feature recurring guests and segments centered around community wellness and education.
During his visit to The Day With Trae, Heru discussed the continued benefits of qigong and how they manifest over time. If you're looking to tap into your inner peace and achieve your full potential, Heru is the guide you need.
Catch Adam's discussion on Green Tech, Solar Microgrids, and The Burien Solar Punk Festival on The Day With Trae.
Chevonna stopped by The Day With Trae with guest host Deaunte Damper to discuss Mental Health Awareness Month and how to best take care of yourself while taking care of community.
Mike stopped by The Day With Trae with guest host Deaunte Damper to discuss the importance of health and wellness.
Doctor Braxton stopped by The Day With Trae with guest host Deaunte Damper to discuss SONGS OF BLACK FOLKS happening June 16th at the Paramount Theater.
Kelly stopped by The Day With Trae with guest host Deaunte Damper to discuss BUILD's community outreach work across the City of Seattle. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the amazing work that BUILD is doing to support the community.
Check out Zenovia's latest interview on The Day With Trae with guest host Deaunte Damper, where she shares insights into her life and career journey.
Jessica stopped by The Day With Trae with guys host Deaunte Damper to discuss all things finance and mortgage. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation with a true expert in the field.
Did you hear that we are closer than ever to getting our Sonics back? Not too long ago, our Trae Holiday host of The Day With Trae, stopped by the SonicsWasTaken Experience, an immersive event bringing the community together through a shared love of basketball, fashion, art, design, music, culinary, libations, and community. Let's see what attendees had to say about bringing back our Sonics and what's already being done to make it happen.
Kizha Davidson is a communications and marketing executive with 15+ years of experience across a variety of industries including nonprofits, technology, and the arts. She joined the board of directors at Northwest African American Museum in 2022.
Dré stopped by The Day With Trae with guest host Deaunte Damper to give an update on what BUILD 206 has going on for community
Check out Michelle’s interview on The Day with Trae with guest host Deaunte Damper as she discusses the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program.
Malik stopped by The Day With Trae with guest host Deaunte Damper to discuss his non-profit organization TGDub Team GetWitIt.
Ayan Musse is an elder in training , who is a daughter, sister, mother, and auntMs. Musse is an anti racist community organizer. She has worked on different issues from housing, immigration, criminal justice and education. She is a member of village of hope and sponsor for Black Prisoner Caucus. Most importantly she is a proud mother of two black sons.
In addition to his theater work, Justin has also directed two award-winning short films, "Six Winters Gone Still" and "Biological." We were thrilled to have Justin on The Day With Trae to discuss his impressive career in theater and film.
Aishé stopped by The Day With Trae to discuss Seattle Rep's "Fat Ham" by James Ijames, playing now at Seattle Rep through May 12.
Piggee stopped by The Day With Trae to discuss his theater journey and his latest role as director in Fat Ham now playing at the Seattle Rep until May 12th.
Taylor stopped by the Day With Trae to discuss her upcoming role as Rosina in Seattle Opera's production of The Barber of Seville, one of the most beloved operas of all time.
Quiana recently stopped by The Day With Trae to discuss infertility in the Black community. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
Meet Washington State Senator Manka Dhingra, she is the Deputy Majority Leader of the Washington State Senate and Chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee. With over two decades of experience as a King County Senior Deputy Prosecutor, Manka has dedicated her career to fighting for justice and advocating for behavioral health interventions.
Boyah made an appearance on The Day With Trae with TraeAnna Holiday to discuss his new book, "America Made Me A Black Man."
Meet Chelsea Riddick-Most, the Director of Programs and Events at Seattle Center! With an impressive background that includes working with Nelson Mandela on a project with the African National Congress, producing award-winning content, and overseeing production at Nickelodeon Networks, she brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Meet Khai Bhagwandin, the athlete, activist, and healer on a mission to create an inclusive space in outdoor sports, specifically skiing and snowboarding. As an Acupuncturist and community-based project enthusiast, Khai brings a unique perspective to the world of outdoor sports.
Arlene Hampton stopped by The Day With Trae to give an update as to what the NAACP has been up to in the community.
Seattle-based musical theatre artist and director Brodrick Ryans is a true multi-hyphenate. Not only is he a talented performer, but he also serves as a Casting Director and Artistic Liaison for The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Ermias (Erm) Haile sat down with Trae of The Day With Trae to reflect on his six-year journey as co-host of the UpNUp Podcast. Through the podcast and all their endeavors, Ermias champions authenticity, integrity, and the power of storytelling to drive change and empower underrepresented communities.
Robel stopped by The Day With Trae to discuss the Up N Up's 6-year anniversary and their impact on the Seattle media market and community. Congratulations to Robel and the Up N Up Podcast team on this milestone.
Nourisha stopped by The Day With Trae to discuss the Inaugural Black Health and Wellness Fair co hosted by Seattle Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Seattle Parks and Recreation this Saturday.
Dr. Coates stopped by The Day With Trae to discuss the upcoming WOW Retreat Revival May 9 - May 12. We are excited to see what she has in store for this year's event.
Kweli joined TraeAnna Holiday to discuss the upcoming A Mother Is Healing Event on May 5th which is dedicated to celebrating the healing power of mothers.
Our Films
Take a look at a selection of our favorite films we’ve produced, and see more here
Facing The Reign is the story of Jessa Thomas, the inspiring 17-year-old cowgirl from Kittitas County, Washington, who is the reigning Miss Teen Rodeo Washington 2024 and the first African-American state title holder.
Jessa's passion for caring for animals extends beyond the rodeo arena. At home on Windswept Farms, she raises miniature Herefords and looks after the farm's livestock. Her natural ability to care for animals has driven her to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian.
#JuneteenthSEA - Uplifting Our Traditions: Black people in Seattle celebrated Juneteenth in different ways but for a common cause. From popup tents at Communion Seattle on Union to Roller Skating at Judkins Park, and from musical stars of tomorrow at Jimi Hendrix Park to hip-hop icons of yesteryear at the Museum of Pop Culture. Take a look at Juneteenth in Seattle through the eyes of community members across the city.
Finding Go is a film documenting the life and legacy of Broderick Adé Hogue. An art director, designer, and letterer, Hogue’s influence was felt in many spheres across the country and even around the world.
Baseball is a beautiful game, especially when played in a community. Not long ago, Baseball Beyond Borders and Converge Media took a powerful, eye-opening journey through the heart of the south which included baseball, civil rights, and reconciliation.
OUR SHOWS
The Day With Trae
Weekdays from 11 - 11:30 AM
The Day With Trae is the perfect way to get your morning started. Join TraeAnna Holiday Monday to Friday from 11 - 11:30 am as she brings a variety of guests to the Black Media Matters Studio. Trae plans to focus on Black brilliance from around the Puget Sound, bringing various guests and topics to her show each day. Viewers can expect exciting content curated around themes like health & wellness, fashion, travel, business and more. The show will also feature recurring guests and segments centered around community wellness and education.
Clap Back Culture
Thursdays at 7 pm PST
Catch up with Clap Back Culture. Hosted by Jules Jessie and JC of Converge Media, Clap Back Culture is where they clap back on the week's headlines.
The Rewind With Besa
Welcome to the Rewind with Besa! A Converge Media video podcast that features weekly interviews by Besa Gordon, Pop Culture news, and events happening in the Seattle/Tacoma area you should know about. Have an event you think Besa Gordon should share with her followers? Click here to fill out the form below for your chance at having your event featured on The Rewind With Besa.
COMMUNITY VOICES
AIRS AS A SPECIAL BROADCAST
Community Voices is a platform for listening and learning as community members ranging from residents to elected officials speak one on one regarding today’s toughest challenges and how to effectively navigate them. Airs as a special segment with a variable schedule.
SEATTLE NEWS, VIEWS, AND BREWS
WEDNESDAYS AT 7:00PM
Join hosts Brian Callanan (Seattle Channel) and Kevin Schofield (SCC Insights) for the video edition of Seattle News, Views, and Brews! Originally a podcast, this show is a 20 minute chat about what’s happening in City Hall.
SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BLACK MEDIA
RECENT PRESS
KUOW
Bill Radke reviews the week's news with DJ Wilson, publisher of the Washington State Wire, Allison Williams, deputy editor of the Seattle Met, and Omari Salisbury, founder of Converge Media.
KOMO News
Local activists said the treatment of the mob scaling the U.S. Capitol, breaking windows and breaching a federal building with lawmakers inside, highlights the double standards that protesters of different races face in this country. They say whatever side you're on—they see a stark difference in how some protestors are treated—even here in Seattle.
The Seattle Times
We humbly submit that the role of the local free press has never been more important in our democracy. Whether print or online, broadcast, daily or weekly, journalists have worked hard to bring news of the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter protests and elections. Omari Salisbury, a Seattle-based citizen journalist with Converge Media, was active in documenting Seattle protests.
Seattle Magazine
At times the only journalist welcomed in the CHOP/CHAZ autonomous zone on Capitol Hill last summer, Omari Salisbury provided information and videos — often taken on his phone — to news organizations throughout the region and beyond.
Did you know that May 11th is National Eat What You Want Day? In case you haven’t noticed, just about every day of the year is a National or International holiday. In honor of this delicious day, Besa Gordon suggested six different restaurants that we’ve gone to this season, from Seattle to Portland, and literally ate whatever we wanted.
This segment was first aired on Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle. See past episodes and segments at whereweconverge.com/back2besa and on the FOX Local app. Learn how to download app here: bit.ly/watchfoxlocal
Did you know that May 11th is National Eat What You Want Day? In case you haven’t noticed, just about every day of the year is a National or International holiday. In honor of this delicious day, Besa Gordon suggested six different restaurants that we’ve gone to this season, from Seattle to Portland, and literally ate whatever we wanted. See below for the list.
Jumpin Jambalaya
Metier Brewing
Hot Fish House
Beau Legs Fish & Chips
Trap Kitchen PDX
Creamy Cone Cafe
“There are definitely more than just 6 places I would recommend for people to eat on a day like this, like Classic Eats that we recently featured on the show or Communion Restaurant and Bar, but I didn’t want this segment to be too long.” - Said Besa Gordon.
Where would you recommend people going for when they want to “Eat What You Want?”