We’re dedicated to continuing our work but we can’t do it alone. Please consider supporting our mission to cover critical issues in the Pacific Northwest from the street level.

BLOG
An Evening of Inspiration: The NAACP Annual Dinner is This Saturday
Sheley Secrest, NAACP Regional President, swung by the Black Media Matters studio to join Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgado II on "Almost the Weekend" to break down the upcoming NAACP annual dinner, happening this Saturday at the Tacoma Glass Museum.
Brunch, Beats & Black Excellence on Almost The Weekend
Besa and Cuddy are bringing you all the weekend vibes, starting with a sit-down at Communion with Damon Bomar, where they dive into the restaurant’s newest brunch menu and the creative magic that keeps Communion one of the city’s most beloved spots.
Some Like It Hot Brings Broadway Heat to Seattle
Seattle theater lovers, mark your calendars — Broadway is coming to town in a big way. From September 16–21, Some Like It Hot, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical comedy, will light up The Paramount Theatre as part of the 2025/2026 Broadway at The Paramount series.
End of Summer Energy: Fremont Fridays, T-Rell Live, & PNW Block Parties
Marshall Hugh of Marshall Law Band talks the finale of Fremont Fridays, while CKash previews the End of Summer Day Party. Plus, Besa & Cuddy run down ThriftCon, Waterfront Park Opening, Dragon Boat Festival, and more PNW events you don’t want to miss
Celebrating a Forgotten Hero: “York the Explorer” Folk Opera Premieres This Fall
Something big is about to hit Beaverton. On October 24 & 25, The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts will host the world premiere of York the Explorer, a brand-new folk opera from Grammy-nominated musician Aaron Nigel Smith. Tickets are just $20–$35, but fair warning: once word gets out, they won’t last.
Experience Unstoppable Joy: Louder Than Hate - A Celebration of Trans & Queer Resistance
In a powerful display of solidarity and resilience, the Lavender Rights Project is spearheading a community celebration this weekend in Seattle's Central District. The event, titled "Louder Than Hate: Trans & Queer Joy as Resistance," is a collective effort by a group of community members and partners to "center joy, safety, [and] collective resistance in the face of really hateful rhetoric, really hateful tone."
Madaraka Festival Celebrates 11 Years of Music and Impact with a Seattle-Focused Lineup
Seattle, WA – In an exclusive interview at the Seattle Drum School of Music, Besa Gordon, host of "Almost The Weekend!" and "Back2Besa," spoke with Simon Javan Okelo, CEO and founder of the Madaraka Festival. Okelo shared insights into the upcoming 11th annual event set for this Saturday at Pier 62, expressing immense excitement and gratitude for the festival's longevity and its profound impact, both locally and globally.
"Louder Than Hate: Trans & Queer Joy as Resistance" — A Community United in Seattle
This Saturday, the Lavender Rights Project is spearheading a community celebration in Seattle's Central District. The event, titled "Louder Than Hate: Trans & Queer Joy as Resistance," is a collective effort by a group of community members and partners to "center joy, safety, and collective resistance in the face of hateful rhetoric.
PHOTOS: Festival Sundiata through the lens of ProofNThePlay
Photos by ProofNThePlay capturing the energy and spirit of the annual Festival Sundiata at the Seattle Center over the weekend. This cherished celebration of African American culture was a vibrant showcase of community, art, and heritage.
Join the Conversation: Meet Local Filmmakers of the African Diaspora
Join the Seattle Film Commission and its commissioner of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), filmmaker and producer Anthony Tackett, for an essential and enlightening discussion. The "Inside Scoop" series hosts a monthly show to address topics relevant to the local film community. This month's event focuses on the challenges and successes of Black filmmakers.
Rob Ross on Building Community Through the Back to School Function
On this week’s Almost The Weekend, community organizer Rob Ross joined Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgardo II to talk about his upcoming Back to School Function, happening August 30 in Skyway at the Grocery Outlet. What started as a simple backpack drive has grown into a full-scale community resource fair, blending fun with essential support for families.
JAM’N 107.5Tra’Renee Talks PDX Hip Hop Week 2025 on Almost The Weekend
This week on Almost The Weekend, Tra’Renee took us inside PDX Hip Hop Week — celebrating a whole decade of culture, community, and respect for the music that moves Portland. Founded in 2015 by DJ OG One and the late Starchile, Hip Hop Week has become more than concerts — it’s about honoring legacy, creating space, and reminding Portland that hip hop is here to stay.
Set Sail for The Pirates of Penzance at McCaw Hall
Seattle Opera is charting a course for laughter, love, and plenty of high-seas hijinks with Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic comedy The Pirates of Penzance. Opening October 18 and running through November 1, 2025, at McCaw Hall, this swashbuckling favorite is making its Seattle Opera debut after earning rave reviews at The Glimmerglass Festival, The Atlanta Opera, and Opera Theatre of St. Louis.
Seattle Celebrates Community and Well-being at the Annual Big Day of Play
South Seattle came alive last Saturday for the 18th annual Big Day of Play, a high-energy event dedicated to fostering community and promoting well-being through a wide array of activities. Held at Rainier Playfield and the Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center, the event, presented by Seattle Parks and Recreation's 'Get Moving Initiative', showcased the extensive services of Seattle Parks and Recreation and highlighted crucial partnerships that make such a large-scale gathering possible.
Black Joy on the Waterfront: "Soul on the Water" Returns to Pier 62
Seattle's Pier 62 transformed into a vibrant hub of Black culture and community last Saturday for the "Soul on the Water" festival, a key event within the "Summer of Soul" series hosted by the Africatown Community Land Trust. This free, all-ages event brought together generations of Black people from Seattle and beyond, celebrating their presence, resilience, and joy on the city's waterfront.
RECAP - Legendary AF V2: Fashion, Community, and Creative Energy in Seattle
By: Besa Gordon - Seattle’s creative scene lit up at Legendary AF Vol. 2 — a night of fashion, music, and community curated by Elisha Michelle. Held at the Quality Flea Center, the event brought together four standout Pacific Northwest designers, live performances, and local vendors, all under one roof to showcase the culture and creativity that thrives in the city.
A Weekend of Ink and Art at the Seattle Tattoo Expo
The Seattle Center Exhibition Hall was buzzing with creativity and community as hundreds of tattoo enthusiasts and artists gathered for the annual Seattle Tattoo Expo. Held from August 15th to the 17th, the event marked its 20th year, solidifying its place as a premier gathering for the tattoo world.
Janay Altovise Launches Innovative "Propel Business Activation Day" in Tacoma
The core of the discussion centered on Janay's upcoming "Propel Business Activation Day," an innovative event she developed after realizing a gap in service-based conferences for business owners. Scheduled for Sunday, September 14th, at the Tacoma Armory, this event is designed to provide entrepreneurs and community workers with tangible and actionable services.
Celebrating Three Years of Arte Noir: A Conversation with Executive Director Jazmyn Scott
Trae Holiday sat down with Jazmyn Scott, the Executive Director of Arte Noir, for an insightful discussion about the organization's remarkable journey and its upcoming third anniversary celebration, "Fade to Black."
After Midnight Brings the Glamour of the Jazz Age to The 5th Avenue Theatre
Looking for a night of dazzling entertainment that will transport you back to the golden age of jazz? Look no further than After Midnight, playing at The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle! What's the buzz? After Midnight is a Tony Award-winning musical revue that celebrates the glamour and excitement of the Harlem Renaissance.