PREVIEW Back2Besa: Protecting Our Youth and the Power of Community
This week on Back2Besa, we're dedicating the show to the youth who are leading the way and shaping the world. Host Besa Gordon is shifting the focus from celebration to accountability, asking a pointed question: if we can come together for the Seahawks, what would it look like if we did the same for our kids?
The Seahawks Super Bowl Parade
First up, Besa will recap the historic energy of the city coming together for the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win and the estimated one million people who showed up for the championship parade in downtown Seattle. Not only was the parade a whole lot of fun, but it also displayed a much-needed sense of unity in the Emerald City.
Reclaiming the Village Summit
Next, we head to Garfield High School in the Central District, where leaders, parents, and educators gathered for a summit focused on tangible solutions for supporting Black students and families in Seattle. Hear from Principal Dr. Tarance Hart, 100 Black Parents Executive Director Chukundi Salisbury Sr., and Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth on addressing the state of emergency impacting our students.
The Power of the Walkout
We revisit the resilient students of Garfield High School who organized a walkout to honor the memory of Amarr Murphy-Paine, Solomon Taylor, and Salvador Granillo—all victims of gun violence. This story is a reminder that our youth currently do not feel safe in their schools and communities, and we, as a community, have no choice but to listen, protect, and act with intention.
Free Youth Mental Health Services with DEEL
As gun violence and trauma run rampant, we break down what support is available. At the Teen Health Clinic at Rainier Beach High School, Besa talks with Department of Early Education and Learning (DEEL) Director Dave Chappelle and Behavioral Health Coordinator Pray Shiferaw about free mental health resources available for Seattle youth aged 13-24. This is tangible progress toward ensuring Seattle’s students feel safe and supported in their schools and communities.
The 8th Annual Black College Expo
The energy was high at Rainier Beach High when hundreds of students connected with HBCUs, explored new opportunities, and, yes—some even walked out with scholarships. This is what access and opportunity look like in real-time.
Rainier Beach Ribbon-Cutting: A Win for the South End
Besa closes the show with a throwback to the celebration for "The Beach" and the grand opening of the new, state-of-the-art Rainier Beach High School campus. This project represented the culmination of years of advocacy that led to this victory, which has and will continue to impact generations of students to come.
Catch Back2Besa Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.
