About Converge
Converge Media is the leading Emmy Award-winning producer of culturally relevant content in the Pacific Northwest, dedicated to authentic storytelling for Black and urban audiences. Founded by Seattle Central District natives, our mission is to provide genuine representation, focus on critical community issues, and ensure equitable access to information from leadership and government.
Our talented team produces a wide range of content, from impactful documentaries and short films like the Emmy nominated films Reconciliation Tour and Nooksack 306 to a slate of engaging broadcast and streaming shows, including The Day With Trae, The Pop-Up!, and We Live In Color.
Our deep connection to the community extends beyond media; we actively uplift independent Black creators and Black-owned businesses across the region, generating lasting economic and social impact.
Our significant reach is powered by a multi-platform strategy that spans broadcast TV, streaming channels, and street-level news coverage curated for our urban audience. The quality and influence of this work have earned us major recognition, including the prestigious Governor's Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Northwest for changing the industry landscape, and the Washington State Association For Justice (WSAJ) Journalism Award.
Looking ahead, Converge Media's future is focused on telling even better stories and expanding our footprint to serve more communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We are committed to amplifying Black voices, supporting local entrepreneurship through initiatives like our Support Black Business campaign, and continuing to pioneer new formats to ensure the narratives and perspectives of the Black community are front and center in the modern media landscape.
Meet Our Team:
Erik Kalligraphy is a co-founder of Converge Media and a dedicated photographer whose camera is a constant companion. For him, photography is more than just an assignment; it is a lifestyle that brings him peace and helps him remember where he's been. He uses his lens to process the world, alongside directing shows like The Day With Trae, We Live In Color, and The Pop-Up!
IG: @kalligraphy45
Winfield Ezell Jr. is the Chief Storyteller at Converge Media and an influential filmmaker and community advocate in the Northwest region. With nearly thirty years of experience, he has earned widespread recognition for his work, including an Emmy nomination for the documentary Reconciliation Tour. He describes his storytelling approach as being "fueled by the people" and uses narratives as powerful tools for healing, connection, and historical preservation.
IG: @winezell
Alaia D'Alessandro is the Head of Production at Converge Media, where she has been instrumental in reformatting the Black Media Matters studios to enhance visual appeal and flexibility for guests. Her production background is shaped by eight years as a producer at KEXP, where she traveled globally to film bands in locations like Mexico, Iceland, and London, now playing a pivotal role in the Converge machine.
IG: @alaiasongs
FB: Alaia D’Alessandro
Mead Gill is the producer of The Pop-Up!, lending his skills to virtually all Converge shows, with notable contributions to Back2Besa and The Day With Trae. His work is driven by an acute interest for highlighting the ins and outs of the creative process, and engaging in intentional conversation with local artists and community advocates across the Pacific Northwest. Through thoughtful visual and audible storytelling, he actively works to build a stronger network over shared appreciation for creativity.
David Long is an accomplished entrepreneur, sales strategist, and business development professional with over 35 years of experience helping organizations and individuals achieve measurable growth. As the Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Supporting Visions LLC, he specializes in business coaching, strategic partnerships, and organizational development to build sustainable, long-term success. Beyond his business accomplishments, David is a dedicated community leader committed to economic empowerment and providing mentorship and resources to underserved populations.
Meet Our Hosts:
Trae Holiday is a prominent personality at Converge Media, known for hosting the Emmy Award-winning show The Day With Trae.
As a host at Converge, her work centers on telling authentic community stories, a commitment that remains consistent whether covering the health crisis or promoting mental wellness. Holiday remains dedicated to showcasing local talent and shedding light on critical voices that often go unnoticed.
IG: @traeholiday
X: @holidaytraeannna
Deaunte Damper is the host of We Live In Color on Converge, alongside his work outside the studio as a fierce community advocate, serving on the leadership team for BUILD206, and focusing on HIV awareness and LGBTQ-affirming education throughout Seattle. He leverages his background in public health advocacy as a former peer navigator for the Department of Health to inform his community efforts on and off the screen.
IG: dampeyalife1
X: @damperdeaunte
Known as The Big O, Omari Salisbury hosts The Big O Show, dedicated to informing the community with truth.
As co-founder of Converge Media, he has led a movement of telling better stories and expanding Black media in the Pacific Northwest since 2017. The success of his work ultimately propelled Converge to major accolades, including multiple Emmy nominations and an Emmy win in 2025.
IG: @omarisal
X: @Omarisal
Curtis Delgardo II, aka Cuddy, is the magnetic and unfiltered co-host of Almost The Weekend! and a youth and entertainment producer at Converge. As the ultimate bridge between the audience and the biggest names in Pacific Northwest culture and music, he doesn't just guide the conversation; he is the conversation, bringing an infectious vibe that makes the show required viewing every Thursday night.
IG: @cuddythasensei
Takiyah ‘T-Dub’ Ward is a Seattle-based multi-disciplinary artist and entrepreneur, known for her high-profile custom sneaker collaborations with professional sports teams. As the owner of The Re-Sole 206, the first dry cleaner for sneakers in Washington State, she turns footwear into wearable art, designing custom kicks for athletes like Seahawks Quarterback Geno Smith and the entire Seattle Storm WNBA team for their "Kicks for Equality" campaign. As host of Art of the Matter on Converge, Ward spotlights local artists making major moves in the community.
IG: @tdubcustoms
TW: @tdubcustoms
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