Food, Creativity, and the Spaces That Hold Us - Preview What’s on Back2Besa this Week

This week’s episode of Back2Besa is one of those that really captures where my head — and my heart — are right now. It’s about intention, staying open, and being willing to experience joy in ways you might not expect.

We kick things off with a vision board gathering that completely flipped my expectations. I showed up thinking we were just cutting out pictures and making collages, but what I walked into was something so much deeper. There was reflection, conversation, and real intention behind every moment. It became less about what we want and more about why we want it — especially as we think about what joy should look like for us in 2026.

From there, we lighten things up a bit and head to the Central District, where Damon Bomar of Communion decided to take on a bold challenge: changing Cuddy’s mind about Bloody Marys. If you know us, you already know neither one of us was convinced going in. But Communion has a way of surprising people, and that moment definitely did not go how we expected.

We also tap into community and creativity through a powerful link-up between RESOLE 206 and Northwest Credible Messengers. This segment is all about slowing down, creating with intention, and giving young people space to connect — not just with sneakers, but with themselves and each other.

Food and storytelling meet on Vashon Island in a special segment from Chef Trey Lamont of Jerk Shack Kitchen. For his Food With Melanin series, Chef Trey sits down with Chef Dre of Gravy for a conversation that goes way beyond what’s on the plate. And if you remember when I pulled up to Gravy myself, you already know why I was excited to share this one.

We also take a trip back to Portland for The Mixer: Making Portland Home. The energy in that room was undeniable — so much connection, laughter, and real conversation. With all that joy floating around, I had to ask everyone I talked to one simple question: What does Black joy mean to you? The answers were honest, thoughtful, and exactly what you’d hope for.

And finally, we rewind to Spokane for one of the most unexpected moments of 2025 for me. While attending Dear Sista — a poetry night curated by Stephani Courtney — I found myself stepping outside my comfort zone in a way I didn’t plan on. What started as simply being present turned into me saying yes to something new, and it’s a moment I’m really grateful I leaned into.

This episode is a reminder that joy doesn’t always look loud — sometimes it looks like slowing down, staying open, and trusting the moment you’re in.

Catch Back2Besa Saturday at 10:30 PM on FOX 13 Seattle, with replays Sunday at 10 AM and 8 PM on FOX 13+, or stream anytime on the FOX Local app.