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Opera Singer Jennifer Johnson Cano Talks Seattle Opera’s Salome on The Day With Trae
Opera singer Jennifer Johnson Cano recently sat down with guest host Deaunte Damper on The Day With Trae to discuss Seattle Opera’s production of Richard Strauss’s Salome, her career trajectory, and the power of mentorship in the arts.
Celebrating Community and Legacy: Deaunte Damper Hosts NAAM Unity Benefit
Community advocate and Converge Media’s own Deaunte Damper took center stage on Friday, October 9, as the master of ceremonies for the Northwest African American Museum’s (NAAM) annual Unity Benefit at the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle.
Honoring Black Women: Deaunte Damper Reflects on his Byrd Barr Place Legacy in Motion Gala Award
On Saturday, October 10th, the atmosphere was charged with purpose, power, and gratitude as community leaders, advocates, and changemakers gathered for the Byrd Barr Place Legacy in Motion Gala at the Hyatt Regency Seattle.
Full Hearts & Flowers: A Weekend of Black Excellence and Beautiful Gatherings with NAAM and Byrd Barr Place
By Ashleigh McCurdy - From Friday night at the Northwest African American Museum’s (NAAM) Unity Benefit to Saturday’s retirement celebration at Colman Commons and Byrd Barr Place’s Legacy in Motion Gala, I spent the weekend surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues.
SAARC Prepares for 3rd Annual World of Repair Gala to Advance Washington State’s Local Reparations Movement
On Saturday, Oct 17, 2026, the Seattle/King County African American Reparations Committee (SAARC) will host its 3rd Annual World of Repair Gala at historic Washington Hall in Seattle.
Uplifting Community Through Wine and Music: Shahron Chaudhry Joins ‘The Day With Trae’
On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, guest host Deaunte Damper sat down with Shahron Chaudhry, co-founder of Saanj Winery, to discuss wine culture, business growth, and the upcoming launch of his new social house in Seattle.
Angelica Marie Talks Creative Evolution and Of Sand and Sea Fashion Show on The Day With Trae
Artist and founder of the Black & Brown Beauty Collective Angelica Marie recently appeared on The Day With Trae with guest host Deaunte Damper to dive into her mission at the Collective and the upcoming Of Sand and Sea fashion show.
PHOTOS: Black Joy Connects Deaunte Damper’s Birthday Bash & We Live In Color 100th Episode
Black joy lives and breathes in Colman Commons. Looking back at these photo booth snapshots from Deaunte Damper's birthday celebration at Colman Commons, the room overflowed with Black joy, laughter, and pure love, expertly captured by Smile Patrol NW.
PHOTOS: Scope Screenings Lights Up Langston with CINEMACON
Film Commissioner Lex Scope’s monthly film festival returned to the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute on Tuesday, August 25. Embracing a CINEMACON theme, attendees pulled up in their best cosplay, expertly captured by photographer Jaden Martenson.
Reflecting on Radical Joy: Deaunte Damper’s Milestone Moments from his Colman Commons Birthday Celebration
We’re still riding the wave of radical joy from May when friends, family, and allies gathered to celebrate We Live In Color host Deaunte Damper’s birthday and his appointment as 2026 Seattle Pride Grand Marshal.
Deaunte Damper To Mark the 100th Episode of We Live in Color With Christopher Livingston and Jaelynn Scott
Join Converge Media for the 100th episode of We Live in Color, a special live event celebrating host Deaunte Damper and the Season 4 finale, taking place on Thursday, September 10th at the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute.
Mx. Pucks A’Plenty and Rebecca Mm Douglas Talk What the Funk?! Fest with Deaunte Damper
Recently on The Pop-Up!, guest host Deaunte Damper sat down with two luminaries of the Pacific Northwest performing arts community: Mx. Pucks A'Plenty and Rebecca Mm Davis, co-producers of What the Funk?! Fest happening this weekend.
Nate Jackson Talks International Success and the Super Funny Comedy Festival
Comedian Nate Jackson is a force to be reckoned with. Between his worldwide tour, Netflix special, and stacked comedy festival happening this week, he dropped by The Pop-Up! for a conversation with guest host Deaunte Damper.
Kelabe Tewolde Discusses Representation, Housing, and Education on The Pop-Up!
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, guest host Deaunte Damper sat down with community candidate for State Representative, Washington’s 37th Legislative District, Kelabe Tewolde.
Championing Culturally Responsive Care: Tamica Gant Talks Abundance Health on The Pop-Up!
Tamica Gant, a registered nurse and the founder and CEO of Abundance Health LLC, recently joined The Pop-Up! with hosts The Big O and Deaunte Damper to discuss systemic healthcare disparities, community advocacy, and the growth of the annual BIPOC Health and Wellness Fair, happening this Saturday.
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.
Marcus Harrison Green Speaks on Community, Media Erasure, and the Contested Story of America
Journalist and South Seattle Emerald founder Marcus Harrison Green recently brought his signature depth, wit, and reflective energy to the latest episode of The Pop-Up!. Filling in for regular host The Big O, Deaunte Damper guided a conversation that touched on local economics, utility rate hikes, environmental justice, and the heavy emotional weight of the 4th of July.
Jessica B. Thiessen Talks "Solar Punk" and Environmental Justice on The Pop-Up!
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, host Deaunte Damper sat down with Jessica B. Thiessen, a project management professional and creative advocate. She discussed everything from rising utility bills to her upcoming community event, Sunrise Fair, happening this Saturday in Auburn, Washington.
Celebrating Legacy, Equity, and Pride: The Seattle Mariners Honor Deaunte Damper on Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a day of reflection, celebration, and honoring those who continuously push the needle forward for racial equity. This past Juneteenth, the atmosphere at T-Mobile Park was electric, wrapped in history, and dedicated to uplifting one of King County’s most passionate advocates: Deaunte Damper.
Choosing the Present: Sean Goode Talks Interdependence, Healing, and Movement Makers on The Pop-Up!
In a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, host Deaunte Damper sat down for an emotionally resonant conversation with community leader and consultant Sean Goode. Goode joined Damper to unpack the complexities of leadership and mental health and share the core philosophy behind his latest endeavor, Movement Makers.
