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Seattle Celebrates Community and Well-being at the Annual Big Day of Play
South Seattle came alive last Saturday for the 18th annual Big Day of Play, a high-energy event dedicated to fostering community and promoting well-being through a wide array of activities. Held at Rainier Playfield and the Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center, the event, presented by Seattle Parks and Recreation's 'Get Moving Initiative', showcased the extensive services of Seattle Parks and Recreation and highlighted crucial partnerships that make such a large-scale gathering possible.
Black Joy on the Waterfront: "Soul on the Water" Returns to Pier 62
Seattle's Pier 62 transformed into a vibrant hub of Black culture and community last Saturday for the "Soul on the Water" festival, a key event within the "Summer of Soul" series hosted by the Africatown Community Land Trust. This free, all-ages event brought together generations of Black people from Seattle and beyond, celebrating their presence, resilience, and joy on the city's waterfront.
RECAP - Legendary AF V2: Fashion, Community, and Creative Energy in Seattle
By: Besa Gordon - Seattle’s creative scene lit up at Legendary AF Vol. 2 — a night of fashion, music, and community curated by Elisha Michelle. Held at the Quality Flea Center, the event brought together four standout Pacific Northwest designers, live performances, and local vendors, all under one roof to showcase the culture and creativity that thrives in the city.
A Weekend of Ink and Art at the Seattle Tattoo Expo
The Seattle Center Exhibition Hall was buzzing with creativity and community as hundreds of tattoo enthusiasts and artists gathered for the annual Seattle Tattoo Expo. Held from August 15th to the 17th, the event marked its 20th year, solidifying its place as a premier gathering for the tattoo world.
More Than Funny: Nate Jackson’s Recipe for Building Something Bigger
Tacoma’s own Nate Jackson is having a moment — but if you ask him, it’s been a long time coming. From his Netflix special Nate Jackson: Super Funny, climbing into the platform’s Top 10 (and holding strong for over a week), to representing the Pacific Northwest at Just For Laughs in Montreal, Nate has been putting in the work for over two decades — and now, the world is watching.
Mr. Phat: The Man Behind the Melodies
Trey Holiday sat down with the enigmatic Mr. Phat, the producer behind the iconic "Cupid Shuffle" and a long-time collaborator with Cupid. The conversation delved into Mr. Phat's journey in music, his creative process, and his unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Tubman Health's Relational Medicine Model: A New Dawn in Community-Designed Healthcare
In a healthcare landscape often criticized for its top-down approaches and systemic inequities, a groundbreaking new model is emerging from the heart of South Seattle. The Tubman Center for Health & Freedom has officially unveiled its Relational Medicine Model (RMM), a revolutionary healthcare system co-created over five years with Black, Brown, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.
Janay Altovise Launches Innovative "Propel Business Activation Day" in Tacoma
The core of the discussion centered on Janay's upcoming "Propel Business Activation Day," an innovative event she developed after realizing a gap in service-based conferences for business owners. Scheduled for Sunday, September 14th, at the Tacoma Armory, this event is designed to provide entrepreneurs and community workers with tangible and actionable services.
Abundance Health LLC Spearheads Vital BIPOC Health and Wellness Event in Tacoma
East Side Community Center in Tacoma, Washington, buzzed with energy as it hosted the second annual BIPOC Health and Wellness Fair. This vital event, spearheaded by Tamica Gant, a registered nurse and owner of Abundance Health LLC, aimed to provide essential health and wellness services to King, Pierce, and surrounding counties, particularly the underserved East Side community of Tacoma.
Celebrating Three Years of Arte Noir: A Conversation with Executive Director Jazmyn Scott
Trae Holiday sat down with Jazmyn Scott, the Executive Director of Arte Noir, for an insightful discussion about the organization's remarkable journey and its upcoming third anniversary celebration, "Fade to Black."
Majestic Moments: Highlights from July's Scope Screenings
Last month, Scope Screenings brought together a vibrant community of filmmakers, artists, and creatives for an inspiring event at the Majestic Theater in Ballard, creating a truly inclusive atmosphere for showcasing diverse talent.
Reclaiming the Village: Garfield High School's Inaugural Summit for Black Families
Trae Holiday sat down for an insightful interview with Dr. Tarance Hart, Principal of Garfield High School, who shed light on an exciting and crucial upcoming event: the inaugural "Reclaiming the Village" summit.
Harrell Trails Wilson in Close Seattle Mayoral Primary
SEATTLE - The first round of results from last night's primary election in Seattle has set the stage for a competitive general election in November, with several incumbent politicians facing strong challenges from the left.
Bill Bellamy Talks Legacy, Longevity & Learning from the Culture on Almost The Weekend with Besa Gordon
Comedian, actor, author, and all-around media legend Bill Bellamy recently pulled up to the Black Media Matters Studio and did a sit-down interview on Almost The Weekend with Besa Gordon—and he did not hold back. From coining the term “booty call” to reflecting on 30+ years in the entertainment industry, Bellamy brought wisdom, comedy, and inspiration to the Black Media Matters studio in Seattle.
Beyond the Shuffle: Cupid Shares Insights on Career Longevity and Team Building
In a recent interview at the Black Media Matters Studios, recording artist Cupid, known as the "King of Line Dance," shared insights into his career, the enduring success of "Cupid Shuffle," and his excitement for UmojaFest 2025 in Seattle.
Seattle Music Is Real: Maribased1 on Building a Movement from the Ground Up
On a recent episode of Almost the Weekend, hosts Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgardo II sat down with Seattle hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Maribased1 to talk about his journey, his platform “Seattle Music Is Real,” and the creative ways he’s pushing the local music scene forward.
King County's Gun Violence Drop: Promising, But No Time for "Victory Laps"
New data from the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reveals a significant and sustained multi-quarter drop in gun violence, with firearm homicides and injuries reaching a five-year low in the second quarter of 2025. This positive trend, which began in 2024 and continued into the first quarter of 2025, is being attributed to a collaborative approach involving law enforcement and community-based organizations.
After Midnight Brings the Glamour of the Jazz Age to The 5th Avenue Theatre
Looking for a night of dazzling entertainment that will transport you back to the golden age of jazz? Look no further than After Midnight, playing at The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle! What's the buzz? After Midnight is a Tony Award-winning musical revue that celebrates the glamour and excitement of the Harlem Renaissance.
Paul Sanders is Going National on Back2Besa FOX SOUL
This week, Back2Besa on FOX SOUL is hosted by our very own producer, Paul Sanders! Paul, also the Creative Director for Northwest Credible Messenger, a proud husband, and a devoted dad, brings his passion for building community through storytelling to the forefront. He's not just presenting these narratives; he's personally produced many of them, offering an intimate look at the powerful initiatives shaping the Pacific Northwest.
Dionne Foster Runs for Seattle City Council Position 9
Dionne Foster, a leading Seattle City Council candidate for Position 9, is focused on improving affordability, promoting responsive governance, and ensuring safe and accessible streets. Challenging incumbent Council President Sara Nelson, Foster is committed to rebuilding public trust, which she believes Nelson has undermined, by prioritizing affordable housing and reformed public safety measures.