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From Staten Island to Thailand: Starda Talks Legacy, Music, and Starting a Party on Back2Besa

When artist and entrepreneur Starda pulled up to The Black Media Matters Studio and Back2Besa last May, it was his first time in Seattle—and what better way to make a debut than while in town for the Lil Wayne & Friends Tour. Fresh off the release of his project Start A Party with legendary producer Ron Browz, Starda sat down with Besa Gordon to talk about his journey from Staten Island cafeterias to international stages.

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Jazz From Seattle Highlights MUVA on Good Day Seattle — and Makes Her Back2Besa Hosting Debut

With Besa Gordon taking time off from Back2Besa to prioritize her health, Good Day Seattle and host Erin Mayovsky welcomed a fresh face to the studio—Jazz From Seattle, who not only filled in on-air but also brought viewers an impactful story about a new retail space changing the game for mompreneurs in Seattle.

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Besa Gordon’s Real Seattle Media Mixer Returns with Networking, Vibes, and Ballet at McCaw Hall

Seattle’s creative community, mark your calendars, Besa Gordon’s The Real Seattle Media Mixer is officially back! After a long-awaited return, the beloved event for media professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and community builders is set to bring the city together once again for an evening of real connection and real inspiration.

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Back2Besa: Jazz From Seattle Takes the Helm for a PNW Black Business Uplift

This week on Back2Besa, guest host Jazz from Seattle fills in for Besa Gordon and delivers an action-packed episode highlighting the best of Seattle and beyond. Jazz kicks off the show by sharing a bit about herself and her deep roots in Seattle's Central District, setting the stage for a journey through local businesses, inspiring individuals, and cultural hotspots.

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Besa Gordon Announces Leave from "Back2Besa" to Focus on Health

Besa Gordon, the host of the TV show Back2Besa on FOX13 Seattle and FOX SOUL, has announced today that she will be taking a temporary leave from her show to focus on her ongoing skin health. In a video announcement, Besa explained that she's experiencing recurring skin issues similar to those she faced last year. "Unfortunately, we have gotten to that time of year when my skin really just likes to give me a big middle finger," Besa shared.

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Besa Gordon talks Sweetpea’s Custom Cakes on Good Day Seattle

In celebration of National Small Business Week, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon brought a delicious spotlight to FOX 13’s Good Day Seattle—featuring Sweetpea’s Custom Cakes, a Black woman-owned business nestled in Seattle’s University District. Founded by cake artist and entrepreneur Jennifer Jones, the shop is a vibrant testament to what’s possible when creativity meets community support.

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The Trap Lab: Building Community and Business Through Movement in Federal Way

Federal Way, Washington – In a space pulsating with music and energy, The Trap Lab stands out as more than just a fitness studio. Founded and operated by sisters Icea Pettigrew and Sharde Bullard, this Black women-owned business has cultivated a vibrant community, successfully blending fitness, culture, and empowerment into a thriving enterprise.

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La'Keith Asphy and Presidential Transportation: Driving Community at the CD Art Walk

The Central District (CD) Art Walk in Seattle is a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and connection. Every first Friday of the month, the neighborhood transforms into a hub of artistic expression, with local artists, vendors, and businesses opening their doors to the public. However, navigating the expansive CD can be challenging, which is where Presidential Transportation steps in, turning the art walk into an even more accessible and enjoyable experience.

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Elijah's Legacy: Growing Community Through Grief and Remembrance

In the heart of the Rainier Beach urban farm and wetlands, a profound gathering unfolded, a space where grief intertwined with hope, and remembrance blossomed into action. This was no ordinary event; it was a tribute to Elijah Lewis, a young man whose spirit touched many, and whose legacy continues to inspire. Through the voices of those who loved him – his mother, Jenine Lewis, and friends like Nyema Clark and Jarred Issac – a story of love, loss, and the enduring power of community emerges.

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Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar: Besa Gordon’s South Tacoma Spotlight

By Besa Gordon - Hey friends! Have you been to Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar yet? 👀 Located on South Tacoma Way near Edison Square, this Black-owned gem is all about sowing good intentions into every customer. You might remember seeing Marquita Evans and her shop featured on Back2Besa during our Support Black Business spotlight.

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Hop on a Train, Hit a Museum, and More Besa Gordon’s PNW Things to Do Anytime

By Besa Gordon - Ever wanted to find something fun to do around the Greater Seattle area, but you couldnt find an event to go to? I got you! Below is a list of six things you can do at anytime of the year. And let me keep it real—out of the six things I mentioned this week, I’ve only done one. ONE. And I was born and raised in Seattle. So now I’m on a mission to knock out the rest before summer’s up.

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Support Local, Eat Soulful: Besa Gordon Talks Lizzie Lou’s Too on Good Day Seattle

This week on Good Day Seattle, Besa Gordon returned with another powerful segment from her Support Black Business campaign, this time spotlighting Lizzie Lou’s Too—a hidden gem located inside Destination Harley-Davidson in Fife, Washington.

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Financial Struggles and Community Strength: The Story of Tacoma’s Intentions Juice Bar


#SupportBlackBusiness - South Tacoma Way is home to Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar, a space that embodies community and vision, though it navigates significant financial hurdles. Founded by Marquita Evans in 2020, Intentions is a vital hub focused on health, wellness, and connection. However, maintaining this space requires constant effort due to ongoing financial challenges.

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Besa Gordon Shares Update on “Support Black Business” Campaign During Good Day Seattle Appearance

By - Besa Gordon: So yesterday morning, I did my weekly appearance on Good Day Seattle to give an update on something that’s been super close to my heart, the Support Black Business campaign Converge Media launched back in January with Back2Besa.

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Healing, History, and Hustle: This Week on Back2Besa 

Get ready for an inspiring and vibrant episode of Back2Besa! Host Besa Gordon has been on the move, traversing the Pacific Northwest to bring viewers a collection of powerful Black stories and community highlights. This week's episode promises to be a rich tapestry of experiences, showcasing resilience, celebration, and connection.

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From Synagogue to Soul: The Story of Langston Hughes this week on Back2Besa on FOX SOUL

This week on Back2Besa FOX SOUL, host Besa Gordon takes viewers on a deep dive into the heart of Seattle's Black culture at the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center. From its origins as a synagogue in 1915 to its transformation into a community hub in the 1970s, Langston Hughes has stood as a beacon of creativity, resilience, and celebration in the Central District.

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Besa Gordon Highlights the Northwest Credible Messenger Barber & Beauty Shop Project on Good Day Seattle

Earlier today, Besa Gordon made her weekly stop by Good Day Seattle and caught up with Erin Mayovsky. This week, she shined a spotlight on a project that’s transforming local communities: the Northwest Credible Messenger’s Barber & Beauty Shop Behavioral Health Project in partnership with the Community Reinvestment Project and the Washington State Department of Commerce. 

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