This week’s Back2Besa segment on Good Day Seattle on FOX 13 took a powerful turn as guest host Tavis Conway stepped in to highlight a story rooted in heartbreak, hope, and community resilience. The interview centered on the life and legacy of Jaden Joannes, a graduate of Seattle’s Interagency Recovery High School who tragically passed away due to an overdose.

The annual Pioneer Square Fest is returning Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6 in the heart of the historic downtown neighborhood. This year, the free market and premium music festival is bigger than ever, taking up portions of Occidental, Washington and Main Streets to make space for over 100 pop-up vendors, 40 Seattle-based bands, and five event stages. 

Seattle is in for a cultural first this summer as the Choma Festival makes its debut at Jimi Hendrix Park on Saturday, June 28 from 12–6 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is rooted in the East African tradition of Nyama Choma (Swahili for “grilled meat”)—a cookout-style gathering that’s about more than just the food. It’s about connection, joy, and shared experience.

Step into Island Soul in Seattle’s Columbia City, and you’re not just walking into a restaurant—you’re stepping into a legacy, a labor of love, and a cultural hub powered by family, flavor, and community.

This Juneteenth weekend, one of Seattle’s most powerful cultural traditions returns to the stage. On Sunday, June 22, 2025, Songs of Black Folk takes over McCaw Hall at the Seattle Center — bringing with it a dynamic blend of fine arts, music, and storytelling that honors the enduring legacy of Black music.

As Seattle gears up to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the city’s excitement is captured in more than just stadiums and team announcements—it’s also in the art. Shogo Ota, a Japanese-born artist now based on Camano Island, was named the finalist behind Seattle’s official host city poster.

Get ready for an impactful episode of "Back2Besa" this week, hosted by guest host Tavis Conway! Stepping in for Besa Gordon, Tavis brings a fresh, youthful perspective as we explore the real and raw experiences of teens and young adults in Seattle.

The final Scope Screenings event of 2024 brought big energy, bold films, and even bolder community vibes to SIFF Cinema Uptown—and it all played out on a special Back2Besa episode guest-hosted by LexScope himself.

SEATTLE, WA (May 1, 2025) — ACT Contemporary Theatre and Seattle Shakespeare Company announced today the cast and creative team of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, directed by Annie Lareau and playing at ACT June 7 through June 22. Twelfth Night represents the debut of Seattle Shakespeare Company at ACT and their first joint production ahead of their official merging on July 1 of 2025.

At the heart of Seattle’s youth empowerment movement is a stage—not a big one, but one that holds powerful stories, big dreams, and young voices ready to be heard. That stage belongs to Speak With Purpose (SWP), and their annual Rising Voices showcase is a celebration of what happens when children are given not just the mic—but the confidence to use it.

Trae Holiday, along with her fellow Emmy winners, brought their historic win back to its roots in the Central District, returning to the exact location where her award-winning video was filmed. This wasn't simply a celebratory gesture; it was a powerful statement. The return of the Emmy to the CD served as a vibrant symbol of Black Joy, alive and well in a community with a rich and storied past.

The Seattle Storm recently held their 11th annual Toy Drive benefiting Seattle Children's. It was a meaningful event, and a great display of the generosity of Storm fans who donated new, unwrapped toys during the May 30th game against the Atlanta Dream.

Seattle has a lot of stories to tell—and Team TellsYa is here to make sure they’re heard, seen, and felt. Led by the ever-energetic Mark TellsYa, this crew isn’t just about filming content. They’re building connections, uplifting local businesses, and showing love to the culture that makes the Pacific Northwest special.

Trae Holiday’s Emmy win last night is more than just an award; it’s a testament to the power of community, authenticity, and the unwavering commitment to storytelling integrity. The win, recognized at the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Northwest (NATASNW) gala for “The Day With Trae Show Intro”  sparked a wave of joy and reflection on her journey.

In the heart of Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood sits Bull Stewart’s Gym—a sanctuary where strength training meets soul work. This isn’t just a place to lift weights. It’s a hub for transformation, community connection, and generational empowerment.

Nestled in downtown Bellingham, Pickford Film Center isn’t just a theater—it’s a movement. As the only art house cinema open 365 days a year between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., Pickford stands as a cultural cornerstone dedicated to telling powerful stories, supporting underrepresented filmmakers, and fostering connection through film.

In her latest Love Lab segment on Back2Besa, relationship coach Debrena Jackson Gandy delivers a powerful reality check: most of us aren’t actually getting to know the people we’re dating—we’re just measuring them against a checklist.

#SupportBlackBusiness - Reginald Robinson founded Altha’s Louisiana Cajun Store, located in downtown Kent, in 2016 with a vision to bring authentic Southern products to the Seattle area. Naming the store after his mother, he aimed to create more than just a business; he wanted a "home away from home" for his customers.

Seattle-based social media influencer and content creator Mark TellsYa joined Erin Mayovsky on Good Day Seattle. Mark, known for using his platform to uplift businesses and support community projects, shared insights into his world of content creation and highlighted a significant event: the 11th annual Rising Voices competition.

Hey, Back2Besa family! This week, we've got a special treat for you. While Besa enjoys a well-deserved break, the dynamic Mark TellsYa steps into the host's chair for an episode packed with the vibrant energy and stories of the Pacific Northwest. Get ready for a journey through community, culture, and creativity!