Jazz is Going National! Hosting Back2Besa on FOX SOUL!
Jazz From Seattle was all smiles on the set of Good Day Seattle last month as she filled in for Besa Gordon. (Photo: Jordan Somers)
Get ready, Seattle! This week, we're thrilled to announce that our very own Jazz from Seattle is stepping into the national spotlight as she guest hosts Back2Besa on FOX SOUL. While Besa Gordon is on leave, Jazz is taking the reins, bringing her unique voice and perspective to a national audience – a massive leap for this talent from the Central District. Not to mention that Jazz will also be returning as guest host of Back2Besa on FOX13 Seattle this week as well. Talk about pulling double duty!
For those that might not know, the FOX SOUL show and the FOX 13 Seattle show are two totally different shows, even though they bear the same name. Back2Besa on FOX13 Seattle is all about current events and what’s happening now around the region. Back2Besa on FOX SOUL is curated with some of our very best and compelling stories from all across the Pacific Northwest over the years to uplift who we are as a people to a national audience.
Jazz will be splitting time as the FOX SOUL guest host with Trae Holiday in the coming weeks, who is fresh off an Emmy win for her show, The Day With Trae. This is welcome news for Back2Besa FOX SOUL fans who have been patiently watching reruns for the past few weeks. New episodes are on the way!
This week's episode of Back2Besa on FOX SOUL is packed with stories that highlight community, culture, and positive change, reflecting the spirit Jazz champions. Here's a sneak peek at what's coming up:
Akim Ali & Innovative Change Makers Light Up Tacoma:
Jazz kicks things off by heading to the South Sound, where the Innovative Change Makers are once again proving their power to unite the community through music and a cause. Following their successful youth event, they're back at Jazzbones for an adult-focused gathering featuring rising star Akeem Ali. This isn't just about the music; it's about building connections, breaking stigmas, and providing safe, enjoyable experiences.
Celebrating a Portland Legend: DJ OG One:
Next, Jazz celebrates a true force in the Portland community: DJ OG One. Jazz takes us to the Ritz-Carlton to honor his birthday and the launch of his new nonprofit, Leadertainment, dedicated to teaching life and career skills to youth and young professionals. Hear from the voices he's impacted and see the incredible support for this community pillar.
Altha's Louisiana Cajun Store: A Taste of Home in Kent:
Jazz introduces us to Reginald Robinson, founder of Altha’s Louisiana Cajun Store in Kent. Named after his mother, this store is more than just a place to find authentic Southern products; it's a hub for cultural preservation and connection, offering a taste of home.
Fresh Soul: Spokane's Recipe for Success:
In this "Support Black Business Uplift," Jazz travels to Spokane to meet Michael C. Brown, the visionary behind Fresh Soul Restaurant and the Spokane Eastside Reunion Association. What appears to be a restaurant is truly a youth job training program, providing life and workforce skills while securing full college scholarships. It's a powerful story of giving back to the community that raised him.
A Year of Paine - Remembering Lives Lost: Amarr Murphy-Paine and Beyond:
Jazz delivers a poignant segment from Garfield High School, where students recently walked out to honor the memory of Amarr Murphy-Paine, who was tragically killed a year prior, along with Soloman Taylor and Salvador Granillo, both victims of gun violence. This segment highlights the ongoing fight against gun violence and the resilience of our youth.
Rainier Beach High School's Grand Transformation:
Jazz also takes us to the newly unveiled Rainier Beach High School. This beautiful new campus is a symbol of hope and community pride, with dedications to local legends Betty Patu, Coach Mike Bathea, and NBA legend Jamal Crawford. This segment celebrates a collective effort to build a school "for us, by us, designed by us."
LaRussell and The Change Movement in Tacoma:
And finally, Jazz circles back to Tacoma for "The Change Movement," an event hosted by Innovative Change Makers. This segment, which serves as a powerful backstory to the Akim Ali block, showcases how this nonprofit creates safe, supportive spaces for young people to grow and thrive. Featuring youth performers, powerful speakers, and the dynamic LaRussell, it's a testament to joyful, community-rooted change.
Don't miss this inspiring episode of Back2Besa with our very own Jazz from Seattle taking the lead! Tune in to FOX SOUL to witness these incredible stories of community, resilience, and positive impact. Make sure to tune in Saturday at 4 pm PST / 7 pm EST on FOX SOUL, www.FOXSOUL.tv, or the FOX Local App.
And then tap back in at 10:30 pm on Saturday on FOX13 Seattle for the regional version of Back2Besa with a replay Sunday at 10 am on FOX13+ and free nationwide on the FOX Local app.
Make sure you follow: @JazzFromSeattle, @Back2BesaTV, and @WWConverge on Instagram
