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Summer of Soul: Celebrating Black Business at Seattle's Black Wall Street Market
Africatown Community Land Trust held its annual Black Wall Street Market as part of The Summer of Soul Series. The event transformed 23rd and Jackson into Seattle's own Black Wall Street, with over 100 Black businesses celebrating the rich history of Black commercial centers.
PHOTOS: Honoring Our Black Wall Streets: A Powerful Mixer and Chat in Seattle's Central District
Influential names in Seattle's Black business community gathered at Byrd Barr Place for Africatown Community Land Trust’s Building Black Wall Street Mixer and Chat. Hosted by Debrena Jackson Gandy and keynoted by Lewis Rudd of Ezell’s Famous Chicken, the event included a panel of successful Black entrepreneurs
Black Wall Street Mixer + Chat 2024
Some of the most respected names in Seattle’s Black business community came together last week at Byrd Barr Place in the #CentralDistrict for Africatown Community Land Trust’s Building Black Wall Street Mixer + Chat. The mixer was hosted by author Debrena Jackson Gandy and keynoted by Central District business icon Lewis Rudd, co-founder of Ezell’s Famous Chicken.
Host of Back2Besa Besa Gordon Gets Personal About Living With Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)
Written by Besa Gordon: So, about my skin these days, part two. When I recorded this episode earlier in the week, I would be lying if I said I was not ready to throw in the towel because I felt awful that day. My skin was dry, cracking, burning, and flaking really bad. But, the show must go on, as some would say. I thought it was important to just really put it out there and show you guys, in real-time, what's truly going on with me and why I've been wearing sleeves even when it's warm outside. Because honestly…
6 Pride Month Events Happening In Seattle You Should Know About
Pride Month, celebrated every June, commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, sparking spontaneous protests and clashes that lasted for days. These events galvanized the LGBTQ+ community and ignited a broader movement for civil rights.
The Rhythm of Resilience: The History of Black Music in Seattle
The elusive “Seattle Sound” is not merely a singular genre or style; rather, it's a complex amalgamation of diverse musical influences and histories layered over more than a century. This sonic tapestry has been woven by the hands and voices of countless musicians, each contributing their own unique story and perspective to the city's musical narrative.
PHOTOS: The Summer of Soul Series and Black Wall Street Market 2024
On Monday, Africantown Community Land Trust held its annual Black Wall Street Market, which is part of the Summer of Soul Series. This year’s event brought life to the streets of 23rd and Jackson, where over 100 Black businesses gathered to celebrate and honor the rich history of thriving Black commercial centers throughout the country. T
Seattle All Star Classic: Uniting Athletes, Celebrities, and Community Causes
Drew Dambreville, co-founder of the Seattle All Star Classic, recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day with Trae. He appeared on the show to discuss the Seattle All Star Classic, an event that offers a platform for professional athletes and celebrities to give back to the community while supporting youth organizations.
Vee Moree Shares Her Journey and Future Plans on We Live In Color
"We Live In Color" is back with another fantastic guest this week! Host Deaunte Damper returns with an exciting new episode featuring community organizer and comedian Vee Moree. In this episode, Moree shares her background, journey to the 206, and a major upcoming life change.
Converge Music Launches to Uplift and Showcase Artists In The Pacific Northwest and Beyond
Converge Music is thrilled to announce its official launch on June 3rd, 2024. This platform is designed to connect artists with fans through immersive storytelling, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. The launch of Converge Music coincides with Black Music Month.
PHOTOS: Music Artist Starda Stops By Back2Besa
Starda shared some powerful advice for those, especially the youth, who feel they are stuck in their current situation. “Youʻll never know how free you will feel when you really step out of your comfort zone and try something new.”
Mara Palmer's Vision for Africatown Community Land Trust
Recently on The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday was joined by Mara Palmer, a community member and supporter of the Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT). Palmer appeared on the show to discuss ACLT and the events it organizes to unite the community. Palmer's connection to ACLT stems from her upbringing in Seattle. She naturally grew into her role, driven by a desire to see more beautiful, community-building events take place.
Amid Legal Controversies, Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz Is Out; Sue Rahr Appointed Interim Chief
On Wednesday, May 29th, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced at a press conference that Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz will relinquish his role as head of the department. In his place, Mayor Harrell appointed former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr as interim chief. Diaz's departure follows multiple lawsuits alleging gender discrimination and harassment by several female officers within the department and another lawsuit filed against the department last week. These legal challenges have prompted Mayor Harrell to appoint an independent investigation of the department.
Crawford in the clutch: Mariners walk off Astros in extras on sacrifice fly from Seattle shortstop
The Seattle Mariners were able to secure the series win over AL West foe, the Houston Astros, with a walk off win on Wednesday night courtesy of a sacrifice fly from J.P. Crawford.
From First Date to Fine Wine: The Journey of Saanj Winery
Recently on The Day With Trae, Shahron Chaudhry founder Saanj Winery visited host Trae Holiday to discuss Saanj Winery's Launch Party on June 29th and the commencement of pre-order sales for their inaugural wines. The journey to Saanj Winery began when Chaudhry took his now-wife, Kye Freeman-Chaudhry, out to dinner on their first date.
PHOTOS: Luv-A-Late, ‘Welcome To The Pink’
This week on Back2Besa, we are highlighting coffee shops in Seattle and Tacoma you should know about. One of those shops happened to be Luv-A-Late, located in the Tacoma Hill Top area. Owned by Andrea McCarthy, Luv-A-Late is loved not only for its drink and food options but also for the artwork by Bruce Pickford that graces the walls of the coffee shop.
Meet Melody Brown, Owner of L&M Hair Lounge in Portland, Oregon
L&M Hair Lounge, owned by Melody Brown, has quickly become a cornerstone of haircare in North East Portland, Oregon. Melody launched L&M as an online store in 2020 and expanded to her first salon in 2022. By 2023, she opened a second location, showcasing her dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. But the story doesn't end there.
Dan Bylsma wants to ‘do right by the fans’ as next Kraken head coach
New Seattle Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma has some expectations to deal with as the franchises second ever head coach, considering the situation that the team is in with some aging players and a sports market that’s highly competitive. CSS writer Silvia gives three takes from the introductory press conference.
Evan Poncelet's Journey to Creating the Black Founders and Funders Network
The co-founder and Managing Partner of Dreamward Group, Evan Poncelet, recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day with Trae. Poncelet appeared on the show to talk about his effort to create a Black Angel network called Black Founders and Funders for investment and economic empowerment.
New Wine Venture: Saanj Winery, From Date Night to Dream Business
Recently, on The Day with Trae, Kye Freeman-Chaudhry, founder of Saanj Winery, stopped by to talk with host Trae Holiday about the official launch of Sonje Winery next month in June. Freeman-Chaudhry started her wine journey eight years ago when her now-husband took her out on their first date.