The 12th annual Reign of Style Hair Show & Competition recently electrified Seattle Center, reaffirming its status as the Northwest’s premier event for the beauty industry. With Back2Besa host Besa Gordon in attendance, this spectacular day brought together a galaxy of talent for a celebration of artistry, community, and friendly competition. 

Artist, entrepreneur, and mother Jonarra Swanson recently unveiled her first solo exhibition in years, titled "Paintbrush Legacy," at Gallery AXIS in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. This collection features a series of never-before-seen pieces that delve into themes of self-determination, resilience, and the power of creating one’s own destiny.

Unapologetic Black excellence defined the energy of the 2nd Annual Black History Month Market & Celebration in Tigard, Oregon, centering unity, culture, and commerce in the greater Portland area.

Boon Boona Coffee recently achieved another major milestone with the grand opening of its newest location at the Waterfront Park Overlook in Downtown Seattle. The event marked an expansion of Boon Boona’s footprint across the region, which already includes locations in Renton, Capitol Hill, University District, and Redmond. 

Friends, family, and members of the Brothers United In Leadership Development (BUILD206) recently gathered at Acts on Stage in White Center, Washington to celebrate videographer and storyteller Darryl Glover’s 58th birthday with a roast and fundraiser for his health funds. 

What happens when classic culinary training meets the rich, soulful flavors of the Black diaspora? You get Pizza by Ruffin, Washington State’s first Black-owned pizzeria and a bonafide phenomenon in Seattle’s South Lake Union. 

#ConvergeOnTheRoad - The Converge Media crew recently tapped in with DJ Defkawn and DJ Troll King, the dynamic duo behind the legendary radio show, "The Re-Up," broadcasting live from KSVR 91.7 FM in Mount Vernon, Washington. The on-air conversation between the DJs and the Converge hosts was a meeting of minds focused on community, culture, and the importance of Black Media. 

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?

Besa Gordon joined Good Day Seattle this morning to discuss the Empowering Youth Firearm Outreach Program (EYFO), a partnership between the University of Washington and the Seattle Police Department.  At its core, EYFO shares firearm trauma resources and teaches digital literacy situational awareness, empowering young leaders to use their voices and social media platforms for positive change.

Community members, parents, and leaders gathered last month in the Garfield High School Library for “Reclaiming the Village,” an ongoing series of convenings aimed at addressing persistent challenges and restoring the legacy of the historic Central District school. The event brought together stakeholders to discuss the state of Garfield and mobilize resources to ensure student success.

The Re-Sole 206, Seattle's inaugural sneaker dry cleaner, recently hosted Northwest Credible Messenger (NWCM) youth for "Designing the Path,” a custom sneaker workshop. The Re-Sole 206 founder, Takiyah "T-DUB" Ward, whose state-of-the-art facility specializes in sneaker cleaning, restoration, and customizing, was all about sharing her knowledge with the next generation. 

#ConvergePDX - At Converge, we believe in uplifting Black joy across the entire Pacific Northwest. Recently, that Black joy was on full, commanding display at The Mixer: Making P(OR)tland Home in Portland, Oregon. At our second year covering the event, the community transformed The Evergreen into a sacred space rooted in presence, storytelling, and community, bringing together Black professionals, creatives, and leaders across Portland.

Fresh off their five-year anniversary, Communion Restaurant & Bar in Seattle’s Central District recently welcomed Almost The Weekend! co-host Curtis Delgardo II, aka Cuddy, to try Chef Damon Bomar’s house-made Bloody Mary. When Bomar made an appearance on Almost The Weekend! last year, Delgardo famously expressed his distaste for Bloody Marys, but he accepted the challenge to push his palate to new heights. 

Amarr’s Heart Foundation recently concluded its annual blanket, socks, and glove drive, a community-wide effort to honor the late Amarr Murphy-Paine nearing what would have been his 19th birthday last month. The drive, a collaborative effort with Garfield High School, the Garfield Teen Life Center, and the Garfield Community Center, successfully collected supplies for the homeless and disenfranchised in the Seattle area.

Besa Gordon recently paid a visit to Seattle’s Marjorie Restaurant, a beloved Central District favourite, as part of her ongoing Support Black Business campaign. Gordon sat down with owner Donna Moodie, affectionately known to many as Miss Donna, to get a full rundown on the restaurant’s globally-inspired menu and commitment to community hospitality.

The Scope Screenings season finale, dubbed the Met Gala Edition, brought together local creatives last month for a night where fashion and film met at a harmonious crossroads. Held at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute in Seattle’s Central District, the event marked the conclusion of Scope Screenings’ fourth season. 

Communion Restaurant recently marked its milestone fifth anniversary with a glorious celebration focused on gratitude and community. The event was deliberately focused on staff appreciation, a theme near to co-owner Chef Kristi Brown’s heart. The evening was a glamorous affair, styled with a Harlem Renaissance theme, enhanced by a quartet from the Garfield Jazz Band.

Besa Gordon recently joined Good Day Seattle to spotlight the impactful work of Northwest Credible Messenger, a Federal Way–based organization dedicated to supporting youth, young adults, and community members through mentorship, behavioral health, and community-centered programming.

November’s “Scopesgiving” edition of the underground film festival Scope Screenings at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center shone a spotlight on the Pacific Northwest’s creative minds in film. The evening celebrated short-form content, from fashion-forward spec ads to documentary-style commercials and metaphysical comedies, including the trailer for Converge Media’s upcoming documentary “Diamond of Opportunity.”

Black joy and holiday spirit billowed through the Original Selfie Museum when Surge Reproductive Justice, a Black feminist reproductive justice organization, hosted its third annual Black Santa celebration earlier this month. Surge transformed the museum into a joyful community space centered on connection, representation, and festive activities intertwined with the organization’s dedication to systemic change.