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Events, Arts & Culture Mead Gill Events, Arts & Culture Mead Gill

Inside's Open Mic Night Returns: How Sierra Jones Is Rebuilding a Home for Underrepresented Creativity at Colman Commons

After a year-long hiatus, Inside, the beloved BIPOC-centered open mic series, is returning to Seattle, this time in partnership with Colman Commons in the historic Colman Building. For founder Sierra-Leone Jones, the comeback represents the restoration of a sanctuary for Black and brown creative expression.

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Zoom In: Why You Can’t Miss Takiyah Ward’s "The RETROspective" 

If you are anywhere near Pioneer Square during Seattle Art Fair week (July 23–26, 2026), you need to pull up to Colman Commons. Ward—the visionary behind Seattle’s iconic 2020 Black Lives Matter street mural and the founder of the Pacific Northwest's premier sneaker care facility, The Re-Sole 206—is debuting her first-ever solo exhibition: The RETROspective.

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The Pop-Up!, Arts & Culture Mead Gill The Pop-Up!, Arts & Culture Mead Gill

Art & Evolution: Cal Bonner Brings Personal Growth and Creative Visions to 'The Pop-Up!'

Multi-disciplinary artist Cal Bonner returned to the Black Media Matters studios for a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, hosted by The Big O. Over an expansive, emotionally raw interview, the Seattle-based creative entrepreneur opened up about his creative journey, past public controversies, struggles with accountability, and how fatherhood has radically elevated his life frequency.

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Seattle’s Premier Open Mic is Back, And It’s Finally Home At Colman Commons

The wait is over, Seattle. After nearly a year, healing arts studio Inside’s Open Mic Night is officially back, and this time, they’re planting roots. Starting Friday, July 31st, Inside has found its forever home at Colman Commons. This return isn’t just a restart; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the voices that make our city incredible. 

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Centering Art, History, and Home: Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward on The Pop-Up!

On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, Converge Media welcomed back a familiar face whose fingerprints are quite literally all over Seattle: Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward. From the iconic “Black Media Matters. Period.” wall inside the Converge studio to murals, footwear, and community activations across the city, Takiyah’s work has quietly shaped how Seattle sees itself. 

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The Hereditary Hustle: KGodd on Dance, Legacy, and Authenticity on The Pop-Up!

The energy at Black Media Matter Studio was electric during the second ever Tacoma Takeover episode of The Pop-Up! with guest host Elisha Michelle. The guest of honor was Federal Way’s own KGodd, a rapper, dancer, and marketing expert who is quickly becoming the face of the region’s music scene.

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Screening Black Excellence: Taylor Freeman Talks the 23rd Annual Seattle Black Film Festival

On a recent episode of We Live In Color, host Deaunte Damper sat down with Taylor Freeman, the program manager for the historic Seattle Black Film Festival, to discuss the festival's return this weekend and the importance of supporting Black art.

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