Blend Coffee and Kicks is revolutionizing the coffee scene with its unique hybrid concept, seamlessly blending coffee culture, sneaker enthusiasm, and a strong sense of local community in a way that's completely new to the North American market.

Rhonda Faison didn’t plan to become a juice bar owner. In fact, she once dreamed of being a doctor. But life had other plans. After her brother became a quadriplegic, Rhonda—who had been working in emergency medicine—found herself questioning her career path. While caring for him, she started researching plant medicine as a way to help him feel better without the overload of prescriptions. That personal mission sparked something much bigger.

In Spokane’s East Central neighborhood, Fresh Soul isn’t just serving Southern classics—it’s serving purpose. At the heart of it all is Michael C. Brown, founder of the Spokane Eastside Reunion Association and the visionary behind this powerful community hub. What looks like a cozy restaurant on the outside is actually a life-changing job training program for youth, complete with resume workshops, financial literacy, and a 99% job placement rate.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.