Covered a live R&B experience took place in Seattle’s very own Columbia City at Black and Tan Hall, Converge Media’s Deaunte Damper attended the event where he caught up with Teme Wokoma, owner of Sankofa Theater and Spirit of Ire Productions. An active advocate for showcasing Black art in Black spaces, Wakoma put on the event with extreme gratitude for Besa Gordon while honoring her late business partner Elijah Lewis.

As we look back at some of our favorite moments from Back2Besa in 2024, one standout interview was with professional tap dancer Pamela Yasutake. Pamela, who began tap dancing at the age of nine, has turned her lifelong passion into a thriving career, performing and teaching tap across the globe. Here’s a look at Pamela’s story, how she got started, and her dedication to keeping tap dancing alive for the next generation.

By Besa Gordon - Y’all, I gotta share this moment with you! Early December, I had the opportunity to sit down with two media legends—Jesse Jones and Essex Porter—and let me tell you, it was next level. If you don’t know them, Jesse is the investigative reporter who’s been holding people accountable for YEARS with his ‘Get Jesse’ segments, helping people resolve issues and navigate scams.

Throwback Alert. One year ago on Back2Besa, we spotlighted “A Note to Self”—a beautiful short project by Cydney Stephen and TT Frost all about pouring into you. Because sometimes we’re so busy pouring into others, we forget to fill our own cups.

By Besa Gordon - I’ve been wanting to try this spot for a minute, especially after featuring it on Back2Besa. Since I wasn’t at that shoot, I had to check it out for myself and see what all the hype was about!

By Besa Gordon - A new year always feels like the perfect time to hit reset and start fresh, and 2025 is no exception. But before we get into what’s next, let me take a moment to look back at 2024. Whew—what a year! There were highs, like signing my second contract with FOX 13 Seattle and taking Back2Besa national on FOX Soul—huge milestones I’ll forever be proud of. But there were also low moments…

This is more than just a video; it's a glimpse into the soul of a community, a celebration of the spirit that refuses to be dimmed. At Converge Media, we are storytellers, weaving narratives of resilience, creativity, and the undeniable power of Black joy.

By Besa Gordon - I finally got to pull up to Moe Vegan in Kent after missing their grand opening, and let me tell you—they did not disappoint! I grabbed the spicy crispy vegan honey chicken wrap and garlic fries, and dude… the flavors were on point! I. Was. SHOCKED. Plus, the vibe inside is super chill—pool table, photobooth, TVs for the game, and a whole lotta positive vibes.

From paintings and sculptures to jewelry and textiles, the market featured a wide range of artistic expressions. Each piece told a unique story, reflecting the artist's personal journey and cultural heritage. Attendees were captivated by the beauty and craftsmanship on display, and many left with one-of-a-kind treasures.

By Besa Gordon - Alright, let’s be real — we all have that moment when we realize we forgot to grab a gift for someone. If that’s you right now, don’t even trip. The holidays might be over, but the season of giving isn’t! Let me put you on the Buy Black Card.

Located in Benton City, in the heart of Washington's Red Mountain wine-growing region, a unique winery has been making waves, not just for its exceptional wines but also for its heartwarming story and inviting atmosphere.

WeRise Wines, a new wine bar and store in downtown Seattle, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Bruce Harrell. The store's mission is to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the wine industry by showcasing wines from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ owned wineries. 

Cherry Hall is more than just a building; it's a lifeline for many in our community struggling with addiction. As a recovery center for alcohol and drugs, Cherry Hall provides a safe haven where individuals can find support, fellowship, and guidance on their journey to sobriety.

The spirit of giving was alive and well in downtown Portland on December 8th, as Trap Kitchen PDX hosted its 6th Annual Christmas Tree Giveaway at the Roseland Theater. This heartwarming tradition brought together community members, local businesses, and volunteers to spread joy and celebrate the holiday season.

By Besa Gordon - Hey friends! With Back2Besa now airing on FOX Soul, I wanted to make sure you knew how to tune-in. For starters. Back2Besa airs every Saturday at 4 PM PST / 7 PM EST on FOX Soul, and it’s super easy to tune in all over the nation. See different ways on how to watch Back2Besa on FOX Soul below:

Seattle, a city known for its rich musical heritage, has recently unveiled the Jackson Street Jazz Trail, a self-guided walking tour that celebrates the vibrant jazz scene that once thrived in the city's historic district. The trail, which winds its way through the heart of Seattle's Jackson Street area, offers visitors a glimpse into the past, highlighting the musicians, clubs, and cultural landmarks that shaped the city's jazz legacy.

Moe Vegan, a new Black-owned vegan restaurant, celebrated its grand opening in Kent, Washington, on December 7th. The event was met with overwhelming excitement from the community, drawing a large crowd that included Kent Mayor Dana Ralph and members of the Kent Chamber of Commerce.

Scope Screenings, the Seattle-based film festival, recently wrapped up its third season with a bang, marking the last event of 2024 at the SIFF Uptown Theater. The festival has become a beacon for local artists and filmmakers, providing a platform for creatives to showcase their work, connect with like-minded individuals, and foster a sense of community.

Over 50 young entrepreneurs, ranging in age from 5 to 17, participated in the fair, displaying their creativity and business savvy. GZ Radio was on the scene, interviewing several of these impressive kid-preneurs, including:

The Langston Hughes Center is proving its commitment to community health and wellness by hosting innovative fitness programs like MixxedFit. This unique dance fitness program, led by the dynamic Deon Abdullah, also known as the "Bodi Mechanik," is making waves at the center.