This weekend's Back2Besa episode is packed with inspiring stories that will have you celebrate the power of second chances and the importance of community support plus local highlights.

Converge Media proudly re-releases "The Legacy of the Soul Pole" a captivating short documentary originally released in 2022, chronicling the restoration of this iconic artwork, which has graced the exterior of The Seattle Public Library’s Douglass-Truth Branch in the Central District for over 50 years. This film delves into the rich cultural significance of the Soul Pole, a symbol that the Black Heritage Society of Washington State has hailed as a “beacon of Black pride” in the Central District.

Written by Besa Gordon - 🚨 BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON 🚨 Yesterday, I hit up UW for the “Jersey Mike’s College Football Tailgate” with FOX Sports and FOX 13 Seattle, celebrating the Huskies' LAST home game of the season and let me tell you, "fun" doesn’t even scratch the surface.

A toxic workplace culture embroiled the Seattle Storm in its first season of an overnight rebuild stemming from last offseason.

The enchanting world of Oz has captivated audiences for generations, and the Broadway sensation "Wicked" continues to weave its spell, now gracing Seattle with its presence. The Day With Trae host, Trae Holiday, had the privilege of sitting down with Austen Danielle Bohmer, the talented actress who embodies the iconic Glinda the Good, to delve into the heart of this beloved production.

A search for leadership and experience played its hand in what was a troubling 2024 season for our Seattle Storm. Troubling reports from sources confirmed to Circling Seattle Sports that there was a lot of distrust within the organization.

Build The Beach - Last July, Lydig and The Vida Agency (TVA) teamed up to launch the Build the Beach Local Loyalty Program. This initiative is all about creating real, meaningful connections between the Rainier Beach community and the hardworking teams building Rainier Beach High School.

Besa Gordon, the host of Back2Besa, appeared on Good Day Seattle with Erin Mayovsky this week to give viewers a sneak peek of the Jackson Street Jazz Trail segment that will appear on Back2Besa this weekend. The trail, which was recently launched, celebrates Seattle's rich jazz history.

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) presents Joyce J. Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreams (October 17, 2024–January 19, 2025), the summative career retrospective of one of the most prolific and boundary-breaking artists of our time. The exhibition features over 140 works from the 1970s to the present, including beadwork, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, printmaking, and performance, reflecting how Scott has upended hierarchies of art and craft over her 50-year career. Her work confronts racism, sexism, classism, and what she calls “all the ‘isms’ society offers” through impish and audacious humor, expressions of beauty, and a humanistic engagement with global events.

Most Washingtonians will eventually need long-term care. These services and supports can be expensive, but most long-term care is not covered by Medicare or health insurance and Medicaid only covers it after you’ve spent your life savings down to $2,000.  

Born Russell Maynard, but to the world he’s known as DJ Infamous Sleepy, began his musical journey dating back to the 90s while being a student at Elizabeth City State University located in North Carolina. While being a full-time student and with a full school schedule, Maynard managed to frame houses and condos, alongside DJ’ing 95% of the college parties on campus.

In the heart of Yakima Valley, a vibrant transformation is taking root, nurtured by a potent blend of community support, innovative programs, and the empowering influence of the South Central Workforce. This revitalization is not merely a boost to the local economy; it's a heartwarming testament to the resilience of local entrepreneurs, their deep-rooted connection to the community, and the transformative power of timely assistance.

In a recent interview with Brian Callanan on the Seattle News, Views and Brews podcast, Seattle City Council-elect Alexis Mercedes Rinck shared her insights on a range of topics, from her priorities upon taking office to the challenges of navigating a politically diverse council. Rinck, who won a commanding victory in the recent election, expressed her humility and gratitude for the trust placed in her by Seattle voters.

This upcoming weekend on Back2Besa, host Besa Gordon makes a special return to the Black Media Matters Studio, a space adorned with images capturing the vibrancy of Seattle's golden jazz age. The studio, which celebrated its 3rd-anniversary last month, features a stunning interview wall curated by Stephanie Johnson-Toliver of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and designed by Damon Brown of Creative Lou. Stepping away temporarily from the FOX 13 Seattle Studios, Besa used this fitting backdrop to shine a light on the recently launched Jackson Street Jazz Trail.

Seattle City Council continued the work of finalizing the City’s budget yesterday by holding public comment. Councilmember Dan Strauss released a budget amendment tracker to help the community follow the process and upcoming votes on the amendments. The final votes on the amendments will conclude on November 15.

When it comes to finding quality, affordable health coverage in Washington State, Washington Healthplanfinder™ is your go-to resource. Whether you’re looking for health plans with exclusive savings, applying for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), or exploring Cascade Care options, this platform is designed to simplify the process of securing the right coverage for you and your family.

Fresco Lee was an athlete first and foremost. While growing up, people often remarked on his talent for rapping, but his focus was primarily on sports. At 18, on his way to a studio session at the Southwest Community Center, he was shot in the leg. The injury forced him to set aside basketball and pick up the pen. From that turning point, he committed himself fully to mastering his craft, determined to make every performance and opportunity a testament to his growth as an artist.

The Odunde Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary on November 16, offering a dynamic display of African arts, music, and cuisine in Seattle. This milestone event features cultural performances, workshops, and exhibitions, while also raising awareness for the soon-to-be-launched African Cultural Arts Center. Join us for a day that highlights diverse traditions and creative expressions, marking a major moment in Seattle's cultural scene.

The Odunde Festival celebrates its 40th year on November 16, bringing a vibrant showcase of African arts, music, and cuisine to Seattle. The event highlights cultural performances, workshops, and exhibitions while raising awareness for the upcoming African Cultural Arts Center. Explore a day filled with diverse traditions and creative expressions, marking a significant milestone in Seattle’s cultural landscape.

A powerful and moving event recently unfolded in Seattle, celebrating the release of the Huy/Eighth Generation/Louie Gong butterfly blanket, a poignant symbol of transformation and hope for Indigenous people impacted by incarceration.