From BBQ to Business Loans: This Week on Back2Besa with Jazz From Seattle
Jazz From Seattle is all smiles for this weeks episode of Back2Besa.
Jazz from Seattle steps into the spotlight as the guest host for Episode 242 of Back2Besa this weekend, filling in while Besa Gordon enjoys a well-deserved break. This week’s episode is a vibrant tapestry of community engagement, entrepreneurial spirit, and personal celebration.
The journey begins in downtown Renton at the Denkyem Co-Op’s Third Thursday networking event. This segment delves into how Denkyem Co-Op is providing revenue-based loans with cash flow underwriting to support small Black businesses, focusing on those committed to collective economics and community advancement. It's not just networking; it's about facilitating economic mobility and empowering entrepreneurs. Viewers learn about Denkyem’s efforts to address historical financial gaps and see firsthand how resources are being placed directly into the hands of Black business owners.
To celebrate National BBQ Month, the show heads to Lil Red's Takeout and Catering in Columbia City. Owner Erasto “Red” Jackson is featured serving up his renowned "slapping BBQ" with a side of love. Beyond the delicious food, the segment highlights Red's commitment to giving back to the community through donations to the homeless and organizing local events. There's even a mention of their new weekend breakfast menu, including the highly recommended shrimp and grits.
Following the BBQ feast, the episode shifts to a focus on health and wellness at the Rainier Community Center. The Health and Wellness Fair, organized by Byrd Barr Place in partnership with the Marvin Thomas Memorial Fund, provides a range of services, from free massages and vaccinations to mental health support and healthy food options. Chukundi “KUN LUV” Salisbury's weight loss journey and his dedication to health are highlighted, along with an appearance by NBA legend Nate Robinson.
A nostalgic segment revisits the "Reunion on Union" event from an earlier episode, a special occasion produced by Africatown Community Land Trust. This event brings together individuals who were displaced from the Central District, allowing them to reconnect with old friends and neighbors. Jazz shares her personal connection to this event and the significance of honoring Elijah L. Lewis's contributions to the community.
The episode then moves to Pierce County to explore 1 Drop, an organization dedicated to mentoring developers of color and tackling challenges related to access to capital and land, aiming to make homeownership a reality for more people. As a new homeowner, Jazz expresses her personal connection to this mission, emphasizing how One Drop is laying the foundation for generational wealth and community empowerment.
Finally, the episode culminates in White Center at Acts on Stage for Deaunte Damper’s epic birthday celebration. The event features a roast among friends and family, filled with jokes and heartfelt words. This segment showcases Deaunte’s role as a connector within the community and his positive influence, ending with a reminder to catch his show, "We Live In Color," on Converge Media.
Tune into Back2Besa Saturday at 10:30 pm on FOX13 Seattle, Sunday at 10 am on FOX13+, and free nationwide on the FOX Local App for smart TV’s and phones.
