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Behind the Scenes: Akia Ronai's Styling Process for Back2Besa Host Besa Gordon

Akia Ronai, a fashion consultant with over 25 years of experience in the industry, recently sat down for an interview to discuss her work on styling Besa, the host of Converge Media's show Back2Besa. Ronai, who has worked with numerous high-profile clients and for companies such as Nordstrom and Amazon, shared her insights on the collaborative process of styling Besa Gordon.

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This week on Back2Besa: Curtis Delgardo II is Empowering Youth in Seattle

In this inspiring episode of Back2Besa, guest host Curtis Delgardo II takes us on a journey through Seattle, highlighting organizations and individuals dedicated to empowering the city's youth. Earlier today, Curtis stopped by Good Day Seattle to share a preview of his Champ Boxing Gym segment with Erin Mayovsky, where he talked about the importance of youth mentorship.

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Converge Media Signs Distribution Deal with FOX SOUL

Seattle, WA (August 29, 2024)—Converge Media, a leading Black-owned Seattle-based media company dedicated to uplifting Black stories and voices, today announced a significant distribution agreement with FOX SOUL. This partnership will bring Converge Media's diverse range of programming, including current shows, films, and future productions, to FOX SOUL's audience.

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Jerk Shack's Chef Trey Lamont on Community, Culture, and Cuisine

In the heart of Seattle's Central District, Jerk Shack is more than just a restaurant; it's a community hub where Chef Trey Lamont shares his passion for Caribbean-inspired cuisine. In a recent interview with Kiesha Garrison from Hey Black Seattle, Chef Trey shared his journey and the inspiration behind his unique menu.

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Washington's First Black Rodeo Queen Inspires New Besa Gordon Film

Get ready to be inspired by the story of Washington State's first Black rodeo queen, Jessa Thomas. This Sunday at 6 pm, Fox13 will premiere a film that follows the journey of the 17-year-old cowgirl from Kittitas County. The film, produced by Besa Gordon and Stephanie Johnson Tolliver, highlights the challenges and triumphs of breaking barriers.

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Besa Gordon Proudly Presents: Facing the Reign: The Jessa Thomas Story on FOX 13 Seattle

By Besa Gordon - As the executive producer of "Facing the Reign", I'm incredibly excited to share Jessa Thomas's remarkable story with you. And let me tell you, this film isn't just about rodeo; it's about breaking barriers, embracing identity, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or what they look like.

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Besa Gordon Shares Her Excitement About Being Honored at PDX Hip-Hop Week 2024

By Besa Gordon - PDX Hip-Hop Week is officially here, and I’m so excited to be honored this year with the Hip-Hop Wine and Chill with the Radio and TV Personality Trailblazer Award. But that’s not all! Omari Salisbury, CEO and Co-Founder of Converge is getting the Impact Leadership Award.

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Donaldson Family Honors Matriarch Anna Donaldson with a Special Dedication in Everett

The Donaldson family recently gathered to honor their matriarch, Anna (Smalley) Donaldson, at Evergreen Cemetery in Everett, Washington. Born in Alabama in 1856, Anna, along with her husband Jessee and their eight children, migrated to the Pacific Northwest in the 1890s. The Donaldsons are among the Roslyn Black Pioneers, part of a significant migration of Black families from the South and Midwest who were recruited to break white union coal miners' strikes.

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From Diverse Flavors to Creative Expression: The First Winners of Back2Besa’s Black Business Uplift

August is National Black Business Month, and we're excited to announce the first round of winners for the Back2Besa Black Business Uplift! Congratulations to Luam, Davis, and Kay! We can’t wait to share your stories soon on Back2Besa.

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Project Girl: Empowering Young Women of Color in Seattle

Project Girl, founded by Olympia Edwards, is a mentoring program based in Lynwood, Washington, that provides a fun and interactive space for young women of color to learn and grow. The organization offers eight different programs, including after-school and summer programs, counseling, mentoring, and junior and senior programs.

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Trae Holiday Celebrates National Black Business Month with The Facts Newspaper this Week on Back2Besa

TraeAnna Holiday joined Good Day Seattle host Erin Mayovsky to preview this weekend's exciting episode of Back2Besa. We're continuing to celebrate National Black Business Month by shining a spotlight on Black-owned businesses in the Pacific Northwest, starting with a special feature on Seattle's long-standing Black-owned media company, The Facts Newspaper.

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Celebrating Family, Legacy, and Community: A Successful Book Signing and Documentary Screening

Mount Zion Baptist Church has been the spiritual and cultural fabric that knits my family’s history to Seattle, spanning back six generations. On July 20th, I had the opportunity to honor this legacy by hosting my very first book signing and documentary screening at this historic church.

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Besa Gordon and FOX 13 Renew Contract for Second Season of Back2Besa

Besa Gordon, the beloved host of Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle, has officially renewed her contract with the network for a second season. This exciting news comes as Besa is in the midst of taking a temporary break from the show to focus on her health, demonstrating FOX 13's unwavering belief in her and the show's potential. 

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Trae Holiday Previews Umoja Fest and Sherri Shepherd Special on Good Day Seattle

TraeAnna Holiday, the dynamic host of The Day With Trae on Converge Media and current guest host for Back2Besa on FOX13 pulled double duty this morning during her appearance on FOX13's Good Day with Erin Mayovsky. Holiday shared an exciting preview of her coverage of the 70th annual Umoja Festival and parade for this weekend’s episode of Back2Besa. She also gave a sneak peek into the interview she did with renowned TV talk show host, comedian, and actress Sherri Shepherd for her show The Day With Trae that airs tonight at 8:30 pm on Converge Media.

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Beautiful Awakenings: A Haven of Black-Owned Wellness in Renton

From the moment you step inside Beautiful Awakenings, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquility. The spa's interior, thoughtfully designed by Jamila herself, is bathed in natural light and adorned with lush greenery. The ambiance is both inviting and luxurious, setting the stage for a truly indulgent experience.

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Aaliyah Kois Jacob: A Rising Star in STG Elevate's Spoken Word Program

Aaliyah is a proud GED grad and is in her first year at Seattle Central College. Starting with dance, drawing, and music, then incorporating poetry and writing, her love for the arts is endless and continues to grow as she steps into the role of youth assistant director of Lifted! Youth Gospel Choir, and works on her first EP. Though her teen years have been rocky, to say the least, Aaliyah is ready to bring raw vulnerability to the stage and give a compassionate voice to this community. She is so grateful to STG for this opportunity!

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