The Back2Besa crew is hitting the road again and heading back to Spokane, Washington, on October 4th and 5th. We can’t wait to connect with the flourishing Black community in Spokane and share more of the amazing stories and events happening in the city. While in Spokane, we’re attending the Terrain Art Festival Pop-Up, stopping by East Central Spokane, and, of course, Besa Gordon’s favorite, eating good food.

This week on Back2Besa, Besa Gordon catches up with Seattle R&B singer Choklate, whom Besa first interviewed at just 21 years old. During the interview, they discuss Choklate’s journey over the years, from her evolving music to becoming a yoga instructor, moving to L.A., touring with Moby, her upcoming album, and more.

In a recent episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed Jonarra Swanson, a visionary artist whose journey began amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Raised in Federal Way, WA, Jonarra discovered her passion for painting as a means of personal healing. What started as a therapeutic outlet quickly evolved into a successful artistic venture, with her work gaining recognition through collaborations with the Renton Chamber of Commerce and Elevate PRM.

International Overdose Awareness Day serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost to the ongoing opioid crisis and a powerful call for change. Communities around the world united to commemorate this day, mourning those lost to overdose and advocating for greater awareness and support.

In a recent episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday and welcomed, Tiffany Townsend, a soprano with a diverse musical background, is making her mark on the Seattle Opera stage. In a recent interview, Townsend shared her journey from pianist to opera singer, emphasizing the power of live performance and audience connection.

Nestled in the heart of SoDo, SoNu Beauty Bar is a haven of serenity amidst the urban hustle and bustle. Owned by Denise Coleman Drinker, this beauty sanctuary offers a holistic approach to self-care, combining top-tier treatments with a tranquil ambiance.

In a recent episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday and welcomed, Loria Yeadon, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, to discuss her groundbreaking role and the impactful work the YMCA is doing in the Seattle community.

Over the weekend, Chardonnay Beaver partnered with the Central District Community Preservation & Development Authority for a screening of her documentary “Fulfilling The Promise: The Rise. The Fall. The Promise” at the McKinney Center. The 90-minute film explores the rich history and cultural impact of Seattle’s Central District, focusing on the activism of Reverend Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney and the legacy of Mount Zion Baptist Church, which has been connected to Beaver's family for six generations.

Infinite—endless in space, extent, or size, impossible to measure or calculate—lives true to his name. His music catalog and career remain strong to this day. Encouraged by his mother, who wanted him and his sister involved in music, Infinite grew up in Seattle's Central District and started his musical journey in elementary school, playing the trumpet and saxophone.

International Overdose Awareness Day serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost to the ongoing opioid crisis and a powerful call for change. Communities around the world united to commemorate this day, mourning those lost to overdose and advocating for greater awareness and support.

For the third year, Lewis Rudd, Co-Founder and CEO of Ezell’s Famous Chicken, hosted the Black Business Leadership Conference (BBLC) at the University of Washington. This year's theme, "Ignite and Inspire," brought together black business owners, educators, and resource providers to foster growth and success within the black business community.

Pro Se Potential, a Seattle-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth, recently held its annual Back to School Bowling Bash at Bowlero in Tukwila. This event, aimed at fostering community spirit and providing essential resources to families, was a resounding success.  

On a recent episode of The Day with Trae, guest host Deaunte Damper welcomed Michael Dixon, a School Safety Specialist and long-time community advocate, to discuss the pressing issue of youth safety in Seattle. As a seasoned expert with deep roots in community activism, Dixon shared his perspectives on the current state of public safety and emphasized the importance of involving youth in decision-making processes.

Recently on a special 100 Days of Action episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday interviewed Dylan O'Connor, Government Affairs Director at the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, and Karyn Brownson, Director of Training at the Youth Suicide Prevention Program. Trae discusses the City of Seattle and her direct support of King County’s 100 Days of Action to Combat Gun Violence campaign.

On a special edition of The Day with Trae, guest host Deaunte Damper sat down with KD Hall, Executive Director of the KD Hall Foundation, to discuss the impactful work her foundation has been doing in the community, especially around sickle cell advocacy. The interview, aired on "Feel Good Friday," highlighted the importance of awareness, education, and action regarding sickle cell anemia, a condition that predominantly affects Black and African American communities.

Human services providers have long understood that behavioral health access is essential for communities to thrive. Barriers to accessing culturally competent care have led to agencies embedding services within our programs through partnerships and other initiatives.

In a recent episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday and welcomed, Shaude’ Moore, CEO of the Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority (CDCPDA), discussed exciting developments at the McKinney Center for Community & Economic Development (MCCED). Located in Seattle’s historic Central District, the McKinney Center serves as a hub for community and economic empowerment.

The Black Lives Matter mural on Capitol Hill in Seattle serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Last year, the mural's annual repainting took on a special significance as it became a tribute to Elijah Lewis, a young activist and community leader who tragically passed away last April.

Besa Gordon, host of Back2Besa, gave FOX 13’s Good Day Seattle viewers a sneak peek of this weekend's episode, which will feature YOUniversal Fitness's Man Uplift program. This Tacoma-based program combines physical fitness with mental health, recognizing that strength isn't just about muscles.  

The Griot Party’s Seeds to Garden Project Resource Fair and Talent Youth Talent Showcase showed the power of youth and community collaboration. This event, a partnership between the Griot Party Experience, Pierce County Human Services, Berkeley 25, and the local community, aimed to provide a platform for young talents to shine while addressing the challenges faced by today's youth.