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Deaunte Damper Announced as Seattle Pride 2026 Grand Marshal
Seattle Pride has officially announced that community activist Deaunte Damper will serve as a Grand Marshal for the 2026 Seattle Pride Parade, alongside the Seattle Torrent women's hockey team.
Michaela Kyles on ‘The Work of Loving’ and Navigating Grief and Identity
In celebration of Women's History Month, the latest episode of “We Live in Color” highlighted the resilience of Black women through the personal journey of community healer, podcaster, and mother Michaela Kyles. Joining host Deaunte Damper, Kyles explored the deeply personal intersections of grief, motherhood, and spiritual identity.
Jaelynn Scott Launches Campaign for Washington State House in the 37th District
Washington State House of Representatives candidate Jaelynn Scott held a semi-private event at Métier Brewery in Seattle’s Central District, attended by family, friends, and local supporters on Sunday, March 15. That same night, community leader Koach Giggz hosted Scott’s official afterparty at Black & Tan Hall.
Reframing the Narrative with Akoth Ombaka: Why Immigration is a Fundamental Black Issue
On a recent episode of “We Live in Color,” host Deaunte Damper welcomed community organizer, builder, and healer, Akoth Ombaka, to discuss the intersection of Blackness and the immigrant experience.
Seattle Opera’s ‘Fellow Travelers’ Explores Queer Love and Resilience During the Lavender Scare
“We Live In Color” host Deaunte Damper recently stopped by McCaw Hall for Seattle Opera’s production “Fellow Travelers,” an operatic romance that delves deep into queer love and resilience during the 1950s Lavender Scare. During his visit, Damper met with “Fellow Travelers” lead performers Jarrett Ott and Colin Aikins, and director Kevin Newbury.
Dr. Tiffany M. Johnson Talks Building Community Through Mentorship and Representation
On a recent episode of “We Live in Color,” host Deaunte Damper welcomed Dr. Tiffany M. Johnson to explore her extensive journey as an author, community leader, and tireless advocate for youth development.
Restorative Justice Advocate Rami El Gharib Pioneers Healing for Crime Survivors and Marginalized Communities
On a recent episode of “We Live In Color,” Rami El Gharib, a community healer and restorative justice advocate, sat down with host Deaunte Damper to discuss elevating justice systems to support marginalized voices and crime survivors.
Reclaiming The Village: Community Leaders Call for Renewed Parental Empowerment and Accountability
Over the weekend, 100 Black Parents’ Reclaiming The Village series brought together Black families, community leaders, and educators at Garfield High School to address deep-seated issues facing Black students and families in Seattle.
Together As A Collective: ‘We Live In Color’ and Seattle Gay News Announce Season 4 Partnership
“We Live In Color” returns for Season 4 this Thursday. This year, we're taking our mission to the next level with the Seattle Gay News (SGN) Community Brief. In partnership with Seattle Gay News, one of the country's longest-running LGBTQIA+ publications, “We Live In Color” is set to make a greater impact and forge more meaningful community connections than ever before.
At the Foot of the Dream: Trae Holiday and Deaunte Damper Reflect on MLK Day at Garfield High School
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the community gathered at Garfield High School to celebrate the civil rights leader’s life and legacy, marking 65 years since Dr. King himself walked the campus grounds. Amidst the annual rally and march organized by the Seattle MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition, The Big O spoke with “The Day With Trae” host Trae Holiday and “We Live In Color” host Deaunte Damper to reflect on the progress made and the work that still remains.
Dominique Stephens on Community, Leadership, and Being Unsilenced
Dominique Stephens, an influential leader and drag king in Seattle joined host Deaunte Damper in July on “We Live In Color” to discuss her artistic and emotional journey, her perspective on activism, and the strength she draws from her identity and mother. Stephens, who Damper called a part of the compass of his heart and leadership, has been a sought-after guest since the show's first season.
Amari Leach: From Concrete to Color, A Journey of Healing and Empowerment
In an interview earlier this year on "We Live in Color,” host Deaunte Damper talked with the CEO of Tea With T LLC Amari Leach, who shared his journey from overcoming personal struggles to becoming a passionate advocate for youth and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Koach Giggz Talks His Emmy-Award-Winning Intro and Recent Relocation
In an episode of "We Live in Color” in June 2025, host Deaunte Damper welcomed back Koach Giggz, an Emmy-award-winning choreographer, for a candid conversation about major life changes, artistic achievements, and the necessity of community.
Micaiah Jeffrey: Embracing Identity and Advocating for Change on "We Live in Color"
Micaiah “Pluto” Jeffrey, a Seattle-born dancer and choreographer, joined host Deaunte Damper for a special Pride edition of “We Live In Color” last June to discuss their journey in self-discovery and creating community. Jeffrey shared about finding his niche at a young age, his artistic endeavors, and impactful advocacy work.
DeiMarlon Scisney: Empowering Small Businesses and Communities with Data
In a compelling episode of "We Live in Color” earlier this year, host Deaunte Damper sat down with DeiMarlon Scisney, also known as D the Data Guy, a self-described data expert helping communities and businesses harness the power of data. The conversation delved into the importance of data strategy for small businesses, the impact of data on community issues, and the role of artificial intelligence in today's landscape.
A Space Inside: Uplifting Marginalized Creative Voices With an Open Mic
The transformative healing arts studio A Space Inside recently hosted an open mic at River Seattle, hosted by Deaunte Damper, where local artists and marginalized creative voices could find solace and safety in the community’s undying support. Despite closing its doors earlier this year, A Space Inside’s permeates through the people it has touched, remaining a vital community hub for healing, expression, and unwavering support.
A Space Inside: ‘We Live In Color’ Sends Off Season 3 with Poetry and Spoken Word
With Black artistic brilliance on full display, the finale of We Live In Color Season 3 airs this Thursday, October 30. Hosted and executive produced by Deaunte Damper, the final episode captured the essence of A Space Inside, a transformative arts studio and open-mic night that recently closed its brick-and-mortar in Downtown Seattle.
DeAunte Damper to Honor Black LGBTQ+ Voices on Back2Besa
In a truly special and deeply heartfelt episode of Back2Besa this Saturday night, DeAunte Damper steps into the guest host role, offering not just a Pride Month recap but a profoundly personal and introspective journey through his unique lens. This isn't just about filling in for Besa Gordon; it's a "monumental opportunity," as DeAunte himself describes it.
Kiesha Free: Liberated and Living in Color in Seattle
In a candid and inspiring conversation on "We Live in Color," Kiesha Free, formerly known as Kiesha Garrison, shared her transformative journey of personal liberation, intentional community building, and why "Black media matters." Her story is one of reclaiming identity, fostering connection, and creating spaces where Black life can thrive in the Puget Sound.
Pride Lives On: DeAunte Damper's Back2Besa Episode is a Must-Watch!
In a truly special and monumental upcoming episode of "Back2Besa," guest host DeAunte Damper is taking the reins while Besa Gordon is on a well-deserved break, dedicating the entire hour to celebrating the LGBTQ community. This episode, a recap of Pride Month through Damper's and the community's lens, underscores a foundational commitment to supporting queer individuals that began three years prior.