Earlier this week eleven 70 foot racing yachts and 200 fearless non-professional sailors arrived at Bell Harbor in Seattle after a 6000 nautical mile race across the North Pacific Ocean from Qingdao, China as part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is the only event of its kind which trains everyday people to become ocean racers.

“We are  here today to make sure that people know that he was very well loved by his family and by his community. He graduated from Garfield High School and attended Eastern Washington, a real renaissance man and musician, inventor, and very spiritual person who brought peace and positive energy,” said Wyking Garrett about his uncle, 81 year old Thomas Joe Garrett who was killed in a hit and run on Monday, April 22nd just south of the intersection of SW Roxbury Street and 15th Ave SW in unincorporated White Center.

Our cameras were there last weekend when N The Kutt Dance Studio in Des Moines, WA closed their doors for the last time.. Over the last two decades N The Kutt and it’s founder Koach T have been a staple in the greater Puget Sound community teaching dance to youth including our very own Besa Gordon and giving young people dance opportunities from across the region to around the world.

Photos: Marvin Patterson

Watch Back2Besa on Saturday at 10:30pm on FOX 13 and Sunday at 10:00am on FOX 13+ to see the full story.

The Seattle Kraken NHL Hockey team recently honored Converge Media host Deaunte Damper as well as the Lavender Rights Project for their advocacy work in Seattle’s LGBTQ community. The Kraken also unveiled a specialty theme night jersey designed by artist Nikita Ares. The Kraken also recognized the Seattle Pride Hockey Association (SPHA).

Photos: Susan Fried

Seattle got a dose of heat last Saturday when Bad Bunny pulled up to Climate Pledge Arena as part of his Most Wanted world tour. The show was electric, bringing the energy and vibes the global superstar is known for. From the moment the bass dropped to the final encore, the energy was off the charts, with Bad Bunny performing hit songs like ‘Me Porto Bonito’ ‘MONACO’, and ‘Ojitos Lindos’.

#BeliveInGiving - On Saturday, A 4 Apple Learning Center in Seattle’s #CentralDistrict continued their tradition of giving and partnered up with QueenCare and Community Passageways for a coat and shoes giveaway on 23rd and Jackson. Over 200 coats and 200 pairs of shoes as well as books and clothing were handed out for free to community members. Giving back is nothing new for A 4 Apple. Back in November A 4 Apple and Gardner Global teamed up with Converge Media for aThanksgiving Meal Kit giveaway in Skyway and A 4 Apple has hosted several other giveaways including back-to-school and play shoes

Photos from The Jam Jar - A Creative Atrium on Wednesday, March 6th @ Cafe Racer on Capitol Hill featuring Jimmy James and Shaina Shepherd. Jam Jar is a night of shared magic in which Seattle's favorite songwriters are paired with the city's best shredders for eclectic and powerful nights of music.

Last Saturday, Vibe Bingo took over Auburn for their RnB + HipHop edition as a line wrapped around the block with guests excited to play the classic game while catching up with friends and listening to their favorite R&B and Hip-Hop music. The event is taking back the stigma of Bingo not being “cool” while creating a fun and electric environment for locals to come out and have a good time.

Last month, Dignity for Divas celebrated a ribbon cutting in partnership with Champions of Change and One Love that launched a fridge and pantry program at the Diva Dream Academy in South Lake Union. — One Love utilized Champions of Change funding to purchase the necessary equipment to install the fridge and pantry needed for Dignity for Divas to nourish the families they serve, which will be stocked by Feeding Feasible Feast. PHOTOS: Adrian Sims - Create and Blend

The Annual Northwest Reign Of Style Hair Show & Competition occurred last weekend at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. The Reign of Style Provides Barbers, Stylists, And Cosmetology Schools The Opportunity To Display Their Vast Talents In Different Categories, For MUA’s, Locs, Braids, Barbers And More . Along With The Show & Competition, Educational Classes Are Offered, As Well As Vendor And Exhibit Spaces. - Photos by Seattle photographer Susan Fried.

The Annual Northwest Reign Of Style Hair Show & Competition occurred last weekend at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. The Reign of Style Provides Barbers, Stylists, And Cosmetology Schools The Opportunity To Display Their Vast Talents In Different Categories, For MUA’s, Locs, Braids, Barbers And More . Along With The Show & Competition, Educational Classes Are Offered, As Well As Vendor And Exhibit Spaces. - Photos by Seattle photographer Jordan Somers.

On March 2nd, Africatown Community Land Trust hosted their annual State of Africatown convening at Langston Hughes. Photos by Susan Fried

The 9th annual Jackson Street Jazz Walk (JSJW) commenced on Friday, September 9th, 2022, with a Black and White Gala at the Central Area Senior Center. The gala brought in residents throughout the Central District community, featuring live music from the award-winning singer and songwriter Eugenia Jones, as well as from the E. Pruitt & Maureese Itson Quartet.

On Saturday, September 10th, the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (LHPAI) celebrated its 50th anniversary of Black excellence and cultural expression. The four-hour block party event highlighted the work, contributions, and achievements that artists and community members have cultivated over the last 50 years in the Central District community – and beyond.

The 9th annual Jackson Street Jazz Walk (JSJW) continued on Saturday, September 10th, 2022, commemorating the African American music legacy throughout the Central District community. The twelve-band, seven-stage celebration commenced at 6:00 PM throughout multiple Central District venues, including the Liberty Bank Building, Pratt Fine Arts Center's Plaza, Cheeky Cafe, Wonder Bar & Restaurant, and the Jackson Apartments.

Being intrigued by a story, I feel, is an innate human instinct. Being deeply drawn into a tale that stokes our imagination is one of the best experiences. As a visual artist, the curiosity in knowing people's stories, journeys and special moments informs and inspires my work as a photographer and filmmaker.