The Central District Art Walk recently transformed the historic Seattle neighborhood into a self-guided tour of art, culture, and commerce. The event, which has been running for about a year and a half, takes place every first Friday of the month to celebrate the overflowing creativity of the Central District and its artists. The theme for February’s edition of the art walk was “Black Love” in homage to Black History Month and Valentine's Day.

The Central District Art Walk recently transformed the historic Seattle neighborhood into a self-guided celebration of local art, culture, and commerce. The monthly showcase adopted the meaningful theme of "Black Love" for its First Friday event in February. Converge co-founders Erik Kalligraphy and The Big O were on hand, experiencing the creative energy that permeated the district.

Back2Besa host Besa Gordon recently visited Métier Brewing in the Central District for National Beer Can Appreciation Day on January 24th to chop it up with multi-disciplinary artist Damon Brown, a.k.a. Creative Lou, and Métier Brewing Company owner Rodney Hines. Brown, the visionary behind many of Métier’s iconic cans, is all about representing the stories of Blackness and the soul of Seattle’s Central District.

The Big O recently sat down with Appollonia Washington, co-owner of 4 Apple Learning Center and Today’s Central, to discuss her 36-year legacy of serving the youth in the Central District. Washington is known for helping build the future of the CD, and her commitment to her longstanding familial legacy in the neighborhood. Offering classes ranging from STEM, art, fitness and cooking, she is committed to meeting every child’s unique needs.

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.

The Back2Besa crew recently kicked it at Métier Brewing in the Central District, where they connected with multi-disciplinary artist Damon Brown, better known as Creative Lou, the visionary behind many of Métier's striking beer can designs. Back2Besa host Besa Gordon and Converge co-founders The Big O and Erik Kalligraphy held it down behind the scenes. 

During a recent conversation with The Big O, Chef Kristi Brown discussed the significance of narrative and the five-year milestone of Black culinary distinction at Communion Restaurant & Bar. Situated in the Central District at East Union Street and 24th Ave, Communion has dedicated the past five years to providing the community with outstanding care, exceptional soul food, and a remarkable team.

Communion Restaurant & Bar recently marked its milestone fifth anniversary with a glamorous Harlem Renaissance-themed celebration earlier this year that focused on celebrating its staff and community—a theme dear to co-owner Chef Kristi Brown. The evening's festivities featured a quartet from the Garfield Jazz Band, food from De La Soil, a mural timeline of the restaurant's journey, and special acknowledgements to long-time staff members.

The Met Gala Edition of Scope Screenings successfully merged the worlds of fashion and film last month in a beautiful send off to the underground film festival’s fourth season. In a night of joyful creativity and community at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute in Seattle’s Central District, film commissioner Lex Scope rounded out the year by celebrating filmmakers and visual artists.

Reclaiming the Village: A Black Family & Community Summit is back this Saturday, January 10 at Garfield High School, marking the follow up to the inaugural summit last August. An essential conversation and community-building event, Reclaiming the Village is designed to center Black families, students, and the crucial community-based organizations that support them, all with the goal of strengthening the partnership between the school and the families it serves.

Yesterday, the steps of Garfield High School were filled with a heavy, collective silence that eventually gave way to a powerful chorus of prayer and purpose. Yesterday should have been Amarr Murphy-Paine’s 19th birthday—a milestone of emerging adulthood. Instead, it served as a poignant 18-month marker since he was taken from a community that still feels the vibration of his absence every single day.

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.”

Last Friday, the halls of Garfield High School felt a little different. In a room where the lights were dimmed, a surprise was waiting for Arron Murphy-Paine, the father of Amarr Murphy-Paine and CEO of Amarr’s Heart Foundation. As he walked in, he was met not just by students, but by a "Christmas tree" built entirely out of donation boxes.

Inside The Re-Sole 206 in Seattle’s Central District, the transformation taking place today went far beyond cleaning scuffs off a pair of sneakers. The shop, known as the city’s premier sneaker restoration hub, played host to a group from Northwest Credible Messenger (NWCM) for a workshop that was as much about life design as it was about footwear.

For over 50 years, the Soul Pole has stood tall as a powerful, 21-foot reminder of Black history, endurance, and freedom outside Seattle Public Library’s (SPL) Douglass-Truth Branch in the historic Central District. The Black Heritage Society of Washington State rightfully called this artwork a "beacon of Black pride,” remaining a towering touchstone of Black creative excellence for generations to come. 

Scope Screenings, a monthly independent film festival, has cemented its place as a vital cornerstone of Seattle’s arts ecosystem. Last month, the festival brought together a variety of filmmakers, musicians, and creatives to showcase their short-form content on the big screen. With pride in their people and expression, the local creatives and team members revealed a profound dedication to community, artistic growth, and powerful storytelling.

In the heart of Seattle's Central District, Zara Jo Beauty Supply is redefining the beauty product shopping experience for the Black community. Focusing on representation and Black-owned brands, the store's owner Jamal Wilson and Director of Events and Community Development Autumm Coles shared the inspiring journey behind their business and its commitment to the community.

The Re-Sole 206 is hosting Sole Food: For The Community, spearheaded by Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward, this Saturday, November 29, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. This special gathering is a marketplace rooted in care, culture, and connection, combining The Re-Sole’s sneaker donation program with local vendors, tasty food, and a deep dedication to uplifting the community.