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MUVA Seattle: Where Motherhood and Creativity Thrive Side by Side
When you step into MUVA, nestled on the 3rd floor of Seattle’s Columbia Tower, you can feel the energy shift. It's not just an art space—it's a movement. Founded by Jonarra Swanson, MUVA was born from her own experiences as a single mother navigating the art world.
Akeem Ali Brings the Energy to Tacoma with Innovative Change Makers
The South Sound was lit as rising star Akeem Ali brought his signature blend of smooth lyrics and vibrant stage presence to Jazzbones in Tacoma. Presented by the Innovative Change Makers (ICM), the event wasn’t just another night out—it was a celebration of community, connection, and pure joy.
Jazz Highlights Black-Owned Lender Denkyem Co-Op on Good Day Seattle
Yesterday morning, Jazz from Seattle returned to Good Day Seattle on FOX13 for a second week as she fills in for Besa Gordon, who is currently on leave. During the interview with host Erin Mayovsky, Jazz highlighted Denkyem Co-Op, a Black-led community development financial institution.
Tacoma's Mattice Beauty Supply: A Story of Survival, Community, and Defying the Odds
Through the doors of a quant yellow storefront in Tacoma sits Mattice Hoyt, the owner and operator of Mattice Beauty Supply. Opened in 2020, Mattice Beauty Supply has filled an enormous gap in the Tacoma community as the only Black-owned beauty supply store in Tacoma.
All White Everything: PapaBlack DaVinci Brings Culture and Class to Bellevue’s Mirra this Memorial Day Weekend 5/25/2025
If you're looking for the move this Memorial Day Weekend, look no further than Bellevue. PapaBlack DaVinci is hosting his first-ever All White Party on Sunday, May 25th at Mirra, and according to him—it’s going to be “some energy in Bellevue you don’t want to miss.”
AEW's Nick Wayne Talks Legacy, Blood Loss & Big Moves in the Ring on Back2Besa
When Back2Besa host Besa Gordon first saw Nick Wayne wrestle at DEFY, she didn’t expect it to reignite her love for wrestling. But the moment stuck. So when Nick came back to Seattle last May, sitting down with the AEW star was a no-brainer. At just 18 years old, Nick Wayne already has close to a decade in the ring.
From BBQ to Business Loans: This Week on Back2Besa with Jazz From Seattle
Jazz from Seattle steps into the spotlight as the guest host for Episode 242 of Back2Besa this weekend, filling in while Besa Gordon enjoys a well-deserved break. This week’s episode is a vibrant tapestry of community engagement, entrepreneurial spirit, and personal celebration.
PHOTOS: Elijah L. Lewis Killer Sentenced to 35 Years
On Friday, May 16, Elijah L. Lewis’ killer, Patrick Cooney, received his official sentencing, totaling 35 years for second-degree murder and first-degree assault with a deadly firearm.
Bridging Continents: Converge Media Welcomes European Delegation
Converge Media's Black Media Matters Studio recently served as an educational hub for a delegation of journalists and business professionals from the Balkans, as part of the Open World Balkans: Business Development program.
From Valentino to Vulnerability: 24kGoldn Talks Growth, Gratitude, and the Power of Letting Go on Back2Besa
When 24kGoldn sat down with Besa Gordon at the Black Media Matters Studio, it felt like a full-circle moment—five years after their first interview, the chart-topping artist returned with new music, fresh insight, and a more grounded outlook on life and artistry.
Get Ready, Seattle! W. Kamau Bell is Bringing "Who's With Me?" to The Neptune Theatre!
Mark your calendars, Seattle! The incisive and hilarious W. Kamau Bell is heading our way, bringing his acclaimed "Who's With Me?" tour to the historic Neptune Theatre on Friday, June 27, 2025. Get ready for an evening of thought-provoking comedy that tackles the pressing social and political issues of our time with Bell's signature wit and insight.
From Staten Island to Thailand: Starda Talks Legacy, Music, and Starting a Party on Back2Besa
When artist and entrepreneur Starda pulled up to The Black Media Matters Studio and Back2Besa last May, it was his first time in Seattle—and what better way to make a debut than while in town for the Lil Wayne & Friends Tour. Fresh off the release of his project Start A Party with legendary producer Ron Browz, Starda sat down with Besa Gordon to talk about his journey from Staten Island cafeterias to international stages.
Learning and Respect: A Discussion with Julie Pham, PhD
Trae Holiday recently sat down with Julie Pham, PhD, CEO of CuriosityBased and author of "7 Forms of Respect," for an insightful interview. The conversation delved into Julie's journey, the influence of her family's Vietnamese newspaper, and the motivations behind her work at CuriosityBased and her book.
Deeanthony: Embracing Authenticity and Community on "We Live In Color"
A recent "We Live In Color" episode on Converge Media featured an engaging discussion between host Deaunte Damper and the vibrant artist Deeanthony. Their conversation explored music, identity, community, and the importance of living genuinely.
Jazz From Seattle Highlights MUVA on Good Day Seattle — and Makes Her Back2Besa Hosting Debut
With Besa Gordon taking time off from Back2Besa to prioritize her health, Good Day Seattle and host Erin Mayovsky welcomed a fresh face to the studio—Jazz From Seattle, who not only filled in on-air but also brought viewers an impactful story about a new retail space changing the game for mompreneurs in Seattle.
Besa Gordon’s Real Seattle Media Mixer Returns with Networking, Vibes, and Ballet at McCaw Hall
Seattle’s creative community, mark your calendars, Besa Gordon’s The Real Seattle Media Mixer is officially back! After a long-awaited return, the beloved event for media professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and community builders is set to bring the city together once again for an evening of real connection and real inspiration.
Back2Besa: Jazz From Seattle Takes the Helm for a PNW Black Business Uplift
This week on Back2Besa, guest host Jazz from Seattle fills in for Besa Gordon and delivers an action-packed episode highlighting the best of Seattle and beyond. Jazz kicks off the show by sharing a bit about herself and her deep roots in Seattle's Central District, setting the stage for a journey through local businesses, inspiring individuals, and cultural hotspots.
Luther Hughes: Art, Identity, and Living Authentically
In the latest episode of "We Live in Color," host Deaunte Damper sits down with the incredibly talented artist, author, and dancer, Luther Hughes. This episode is a powerful exploration of identity, vulnerability, and the transformative power of art.
Besa Gordon Announces Leave from "Back2Besa" to Focus on Health
Besa Gordon, the host of the TV show Back2Besa on FOX13 Seattle and FOX SOUL, has announced today that she will be taking a temporary leave from her show to focus on her ongoing skin health. In a video announcement, Besa explained that she's experiencing recurring skin issues similar to those she faced last year. "Unfortunately, we have gotten to that time of year when my skin really just likes to give me a big middle finger," Besa shared.
Shocked and Disheartened: Black Firefighters Respond to Property Sale Decision
Seattle, WA—In a press statement released this afternoon, the Northwest Association of Retired Black Fire Fighters (NWARBFF) expressed its “shock and disheartening” response to a court decision concerning a historic Seattle Black Fire Fighters Association (SBFFA) house in the Central District. The NARBFF asserted that a previous court ruling had identified an illegal sale of the property, violating an explicit court order. The decision held the defendants in contempt for the sale to Camila Borges, with sanctions expected.