Seattle, a city known for its rich musical heritage, has recently unveiled the Jackson Street Jazz Trail, a self-guided walking tour that celebrates the vibrant jazz scene that once thrived in the city's historic district. The trail, which winds its way through the heart of Seattle's Jackson Street area, offers visitors a glimpse into the past, highlighting the musicians, clubs, and cultural landmarks that shaped the city's jazz legacy.

In a press release this morning, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the appointment of Shon Barnes, the current Madison, Wisconsin Chief of Police, as the next Chief of the Seattle Police Department (SPD). The appointment follows a national search and comes after Barnes's successful implementation of crime reduction strategies in Madison.

Moe Vegan, a new Black-owned vegan restaurant, celebrated its grand opening in Kent, Washington, on December 7th. The event was met with overwhelming excitement from the community, drawing a large crowd that included Kent Mayor Dana Ralph and members of the Kent Chamber of Commerce.

Scope Screenings, the Seattle-based film festival, recently wrapped up its third season with a bang, marking the last event of 2024 at the SIFF Uptown Theater. The festival has become a beacon for local artists and filmmakers, providing a platform for creatives to showcase their work, connect with like-minded individuals, and foster a sense of community.

Renters in the U.S. hold less than 3% of the median net worth of homeowners, a new report by the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program reveals. 

Converge Media recently welcomed a group of four esteemed African journalists to the Black Media Matters Studio. These journalists, hailing from Mali, Niger, Cote d'Ivoire, and Mozambique, were visiting the United States as part of the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program facilitated by the World Affairs Council. Their mission? To learn about identifying and combating disinformation and promoting media literacy.

The Seattle City Council is looking for qualified candidates to fill the District 2 council seat, which will become vacant on January 6, 2025, due to Councilmember Tammy Morales' resignation.

Amelia Day, a queer folk rock powerhouse carving out her own space alongside legends like Brandi Carlile, has been chasing music since the days she banged on pots and pans as a toddler. Even back then, Day had a knack for making noise that turned heads (or at least caught her parents’ attention). By the time she was five, her fascination with the family’s upright piano blossomed into formal lessons, thanks to her parents, who were casual piano players themselves. Watching them play always lit a fire in her, and she was determined to create that same magic.

Over 50 young entrepreneurs, ranging in age from 5 to 17, participated in the fair, displaying their creativity and business savvy. GZ Radio was on the scene, interviewing several of these impressive kid-preneurs, including:

By Trae Holiday - Today was truly inspiring! I had the incredible opportunity to visit the One Vibe Africa offices in Kisumu, the masterminds behind the Madaraka Festival. Let me tell you, this place is amazing! It's a vibrant cultural hub that's making a real difference in the community.

The Langston Hughes Center is proving its commitment to community health and wellness by hosting innovative fitness programs like MixxedFit. This unique dance fitness program, led by the dynamic Deon Abdullah, also known as the "Bodi Mechanik," is making waves at the center.

It's that time of year again when the Woodland Park Zoo transforms into a magical wonderland of lights for WildLanterns! Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to experience this event firsthand, and I'm excited to share my memories and some behind-the-scenes insights with you. So, let's take a trip back in time and relive the magic of my personal tour of WildLanterns with Craig Newberry, a Public Relations Specialist for the Woodland Park Zoo.

BigXthaPlug came to Seattle and hit the Neumos stage on December 8th. See photos from his performance below through the lens of Marvin Patterson.

On Dec. 11, 2024, staff and community members gathered at A 4 Apple Learning Center to celebrate the school’s third anniversary on 23rd and Jackson and its receipt of a grant from the Hazel Danielle Clayton (HDC) Foundation.

Today was incredible! I spent the day exploring Mombasa with Shirley (@zyl_shirley,) who showed me around like a true local. We hit up the market, where Shirley made sure I was treated properly and gave me some personal insight into the city and culture. Then, we strolled along the waterfront and had the most amazing lunch at Char-Choma.

Yesterday morning, Besa Gordon, the dynamic host of Back2Besa, joined Mireya Garcia on Good Day Seattle to celebrate the successful conclusion of Scope Screenings' 2024 season. The Seattle-based film festival, now in its third year, has become a vital platform for local filmmakers and artists to showcase their work, fostering a vibrant and supportive creative community.

"I love feeding people. I love watching people eat my food," says Erasto “Red” Jackson, owner of Little Red's Take Out and Catering. Red's passion for food and community shines through in every aspect of his restaurant, from the carefully crafted menu to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Seattle's Central District was abuzz with excitement as the first annual Besa's Buy Black Card Brunch filled Simply Soulful Cafe with a sold-out crowd. The event, a vibrant celebration of Black culture, cuisine, and entrepreneurship, exemplifies the strength of community and the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses.

The 2024 Spokane NAACP Freedom Fund Gala, held at the DoubleTree Hilton in downtown Spokane, was an unforgettable evening that celebrated community excellence, Black excellence, and the power of unity in the ongoing fight for social justice.

Hey everyone, Besa Gordon here, and I'm feeling extra festive as we head into the holiday season! I'm taking you all on a little journey back in time to last year's Nutcracker season with the incredible Pacific Northwest Ballet. I was lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes look at all the magic that happens at McCaw Hall, and let me tell you, it was an absolute dream come true.