Fashion designer and culture creator Nate Alexander joined host The Big O on The Pop-Up! last week. Fresh off a decade-long stint in Atlanta, Alexander returned to his hometown of Tacoma, Washington in 2025 to shake up the Pacific Northwest fashion landscape.

If you were with us at Colman Commons last Friday, you felt the room shift the second you walked through the doors. The energy was warm, heavy in the best way, and electric with shared purpose. We were honored to host A Space Inside for their first open mic in over a year—marking the beginning of an exciting new partnership as their long-term home.

Cameroonian poet and spoken word artist Darryl Foto recently joined The Pop-Up! with host The Big O where he discussed his rich background, creative journey, and the roots of Black Joy in the Pacific Northwest. 

Recently on The Pop-Up!, hosted by The Big O, the Black Media Matter Studio transformed into a haven for raw, artistic reflection when R&B and hip-hop artist LIVt discussed the complexities of the Black experience, filmmaking, and the courage it takes for creators to truly find their voice.

On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with Seattle artist, music minister, and entrepreneur Sheila Kay Blackwell (known artistically as Sheila Kay) to discuss the upcoming release of her album, Dancing Naked, and the mission behind her company, Inspirational Productions.

After a year-long hiatus, Inside, the beloved BIPOC-centered open mic series, is returning to Seattle, this time in partnership with Colman Commons in the historic Colman Building. For founder Sierra-Leone Jones, the comeback represents the restoration of a sanctuary for Black and brown creative expression.

Seattle’s Puckduction is set to celebrate the 7th anniversary of its flagship event, What the Funk?! An All BIPOC Burlesque Festival next month. 

Multi-disciplinary artist Cal Bonner returned to the Black Media Matters studios for a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, hosted by The Big O. Over an expansive, emotionally raw interview, the Seattle-based creative entrepreneur opened up about his creative journey, past public controversies, struggles with accountability, and how fatherhood has radically elevated his life frequency.

The wait is over, Seattle. After nearly a year, healing arts studio Inside’s Open Mic Night is officially back, and this time, they’re planting roots. Starting Friday, July 31st, Inside has found its forever home at Colman Commons. This return isn’t just a restart; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the voices that make our city incredible. 

On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, Converge Media welcomed back a familiar face whose fingerprints are quite literally all over Seattle: Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward. From the iconic “Black Media Matters. Period.” wall inside the Converge studio to murals, footwear, and community activations across the city, Takiyah’s work has quietly shaped how Seattle sees itself. 

Last night’s episode of The Pop-Up! was one of those rare conversations where we stopped worrying about the rundown and just followed the heart. Host The Big O sat across from multidisciplinary artist Damon Brown, also known as Creative Lou, inside the Black Media Matters Studio.

In a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, guest host Elisha Michelle welcomed the multifaceted Sentu Taylor to the Black Media Matter Studio as part of the second ever Tacoma Takeover.

The energy at Black Media Matter Studio was electric during the second ever Tacoma Takeover episode of The Pop-Up! with guest host Elisha Michelle. The guest of honor was Federal Way’s own KGodd, a rapper, dancer, and marketing expert who is quickly becoming the face of the region’s music scene.

Author and program coordinator Jeffrey Cheatham II recently appeared on The Day With Trae to announce the launch of "Literally Ours," a new literacy initiative under the organization Acts On Stage.

Multifaceted artist Karlos Farrar recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss his career as a singer, songwriter, actor, and scriptwriter.

The Washington State beauty community gathered recently for the 7th annual MANE Awards. Hosted by Reign Of Style, the ceremony was dedicated to nominating, crowning, and celebrating the region's talented beauty professionals.

The Central District’s own Elisheba Wokoma, Executive Director of Wa Na Wari, recently stopped by The Pop-Up! to discuss the incredible work happening at the intersection of art and community.

ARTE NOIR's newest flagship exhibition, Central District Legacy: Black. Power. Black Panthers., is now open in Seattle's Midtown Square. This powerful exhibit honors the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party—the very first chapter established outside of California in the spring of 1968.

On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed Dorianne Attiogbé, the visionary founder and designer behind the jewelry brand Atiwo.

Opera singer Darren Drone recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss his history as a singer, his current role in Seattle Opera’s Carmen, and the show’s harrowing relevance in modern society.