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Denkyem Co-op’s Third Thursdays Are More Than a Meetup—They’re a Movement

At Drum Roll Wine in Renton, Washington, something powerful happens every Third Thursday. Organized by Denkyem Co-op and led by CEO Dion Cook, these monthly gatherings are more than just networking events—they’re a space of healing, collaboration, and strategy for Black entrepreneurs and community leaders.

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I AM ENOUGH by Besa Gordon

Besa Gordon's powerful spoken word piece, recorded live at “Dear Sis” in Spokane, Washington, is a profound declaration of self-acceptance and personal empowerment. The poem confronts societal pressures and internalized criticism, challenging the narrative that individuals, particularly Black women, must conform to external expectations.

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From Healing to Juicing: How Rhonda Faison Turned Love Into a Business at Pike Place Market

Rhonda Faison didn’t plan to become a juice bar owner. In fact, she once dreamed of being a doctor. But life had other plans. After her brother became a quadriplegic, Rhonda—who had been working in emergency medicine—found herself questioning her career path. While caring for him, she started researching plant medicine as a way to help him feel better without the overload of prescriptions. That personal mission sparked something much bigger.

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A Fresh Soul in Spokane: How Michael C. Brown is Feeding Futures and Building Community

In Spokane’s East Central neighborhood, Fresh Soul isn’t just serving Southern classics—it’s serving purpose. At the heart of it all is Michael C. Brown, founder of the Spokane Eastside Reunion Association and the visionary behind this powerful community hub. What looks like a cozy restaurant on the outside is actually a life-changing job training program for youth, complete with resume workshops, financial literacy, and a 99% job placement rate.

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Jazz Highlights Black-Owned Lender Denkyem Co-Op on Good Day Seattle

Yesterday morning, Jazz from Seattle returned to Good Day Seattle on FOX13 for a second week as she fills in for Besa Gordon, who is currently on leave. During the interview with host Erin Mayovsky, Jazz highlighted Denkyem Co-Op, a Black-led community development financial institution.

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All White Everything: PapaBlack DaVinci Brings Culture and Class to Bellevue’s Mirra this Memorial Day Weekend 5/25/2025

If you're looking for the move this Memorial Day Weekend, look no further than Bellevue. PapaBlack DaVinci is hosting his first-ever All White Party on Sunday, May 25th at Mirra, and according to him—it’s going to be “some energy in Bellevue you don’t want to miss.”

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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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