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Garfield Girls Basketball: Navigating a Leadership Crisis
The Garfield High School girls' basketball program is facing an uncertain future following the unexpected firing of head coach Roy Smiley. Smiley's removal last week, which comes just before the start of the season, has put the program at a major crossroads. Garfield’s boys' basketball coach and NBA legend, Brandon Roy, was also fired.
Jesse Jones: A New Chapter in Public Service with Your Washington
In a moment of reunion, guest host of “The Day With Trae” Alicia Crank welcomed former journalist and director of Your Washington Jesse Jones to the show.
Terrain 16: A Tour of the Annual Converge Roadtrip to Spokane
Terrain, the dynamic non-profit dedicated to fostering the local arts scene, is gearing up for its 16th Annual Flagship Event dedicated to celebrating and uplifting artists in the Inland Northwest. Take a look back at Converge’s annual coverage of this incredible event!
PHOTOS: DJ Diesel at the Tacoma Dome Through the Lens of Marvin Patterson
DJ Diesel, aka Shaq, lit up the Tacoma Dome on Friday night in support of REZZ, the first female electronic DJ to headline the Dome with his intense and ferocious take on EDM. The fan-proclaimed “Dubstep Dad” and ambassador in the EDM scene, Diesel brought the energy up to 10 and had the crowd in mosh pits and circle pits throughout the entire one-hour set. All photos by Marvin Patterson (@i_shotcha)
Black Cotton: A Farmer's Invitation to Serena Williams and a Call for Understanding
In a world often quick to judge and slow to understand, Julius Tillery, a fifth-generation cotton farmer from Rich Square, North Carolina, is on a mission to redefine the narrative around Black people and cotton. Through his business, Black Cotton.us, Julius is not just selling home decorations and accessories; he's cultivating cultural pride and economic empowerment within rural Black communities, all while navigating the profound historical and systemic challenges that continue to impact Black farmers nationwide.
Tracing Roots: Black Family Heritage Celebration Comes to Seattle This October
Are you ready to unlock the stories and secrets of your lineage? The Black Genealogy Research Group of Seattle, in partnership with the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, is set to host a groundbreaking Black Family Heritage Celebration that promises to help you uncover your rich historical roots!
World Tourism Day: A Look Back at TDub’s Life-changing Trip to Belize
In honor of World Tourism Day, we’re taking a look back at Takiyah "TDub" Ward’s awe-inspiring trip to Belize with her Converge Media family over Thanksgiving in 2021. Joined by Besa Gordon, Trae Holiday, and Julia Jessie, the journey was an eye-opening chance for the women to gain new perspective on the power of art, culture, and sisterhood in a country overflowing with life and history.
Discover Local Artistry at the Central District’s Monthly Scope Screenings
For the past two months, Scope Screenings has emerged as an essential film festival in Seattle’s Central District, fostering community and showcasing diverse talent in Seattle's Central District. Held monthly at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, the event brings together filmmakers, musicians, and artists for a unique and informal celebration of creativity.
City Beats with Tra’Renee: Portland Pops Off This Weekend
When we say Portland knows how to keep the weekend lit, Tra’Renee always proves me right. On this week’s City Beats, she dropped the rundown of events that had us ready to hop on Amtrak and pull up.
Behind The Scenes: Braided and Dreaded To Feature On Back2Besa This Weekend
This week on Back2Besa, Sharron Hayes, owner and CEO of Braided & Dreaded, is sharing her powerful story of perseverance and cultural advocacy through her personal perspective on hair. Hayes and producer Evanne Robinson share their perspectives behind the production process in telling the resilient story of Braided and Dreaded.
From WOW Gallery to Ezell’s Chicken: Besa and Cuddy’s Weekend Rundown
This week on Almost The Weekend, Besa Gordon and Curtis “Cuddy” Delgardo are back with a full lineup of events, culture, and community.
Music As Narratives: Our Stories Show To Take Over The Royal Room This Weekend
On today’s episode of “The Day With Trae,” Sheila Kay, founder of Inspirational Productions, shared exciting updates about her work, including an upcoming show on Saturday and her company's mission with guest host Alicia Crank.
PREVIEW This Week’s Episode of Back2Besa: Cultural Preservation Meets Hip Hop and Southern Soul
Back2Besa is back with another weekend full of stories that highlight culture, community, and resilience across the Pacific Northwest. This episode of Back2Besa takes viewers on a journey through powerful calls to action, unimaginable resilience, and the bread and butter of culture that remind us why representation and connection matter.
From Louisiana to Washington: A Celebration of Culture at the Cajun and Creole Festival
Last month, the Cajun and Creole Festival in Kent, Washington brought the flavor of Louisiana to the Pacific Northwest with delicious food, live music, and energy through the roof. Reginald Robinson, owner of Altha's Louisiana Cajun Store and Deli and organizer of the festival, affirmed the "love in the air.”
Myron Curry's ADU Project: A Blueprint for Central District Resilience
Seattle's Central District recently witnessed a significant step in the ongoing fight for generational homeownership. Myron Curry, a generational owner of a property with a rich 75-year family history, held a groundbreaking ceremony for two new accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in his backyard. This project is more than just new construction; it's a powerful testament to community resilience and innovative solutions in the face of gentrification and rising housing costs.
Serving and Preserving Culture: Besa Gordon Talks Braided and Dreaded on Good Day Seattle
Besa Gordon joined Good Day Seattle with Erin Mayovsky this morning to talk about Braided and Dreaded, a hairstylist in Puyallup serving military and high profile clients. Besa explained that owner Sharron Hayes, a decorated US Army veteran, channeled her life’s challenges into her craft behind the chair, and is all about preserving Black cultural authenticity one braid at a time.
Homestead Community Land Trust Fundraiser To Feature Stacey Abrams This Weekend
In a recent interview with guest host of "The Day with Trae” Alicia Crank, Cherryl Jackson, President of the Board of Delegates for Homestead Community Land Trust (HCLT) shared details about the organization's upcoming annual fundraiser this Saturday featuring Representative Stacey Abrams, and dove into the impacts and importance of community land trusts.
Northwest African-American Museum Highlights Local Changemakers in Recent Exhibit
Marcus Harden, curator of the "History Lives Here" Museum exhibit at the Northwest African-American Museum, is all about celebrating local heroes. For the past eight years, he's been writing a blog every Black History Month, shining a light on people he's met and those doing amazing things in the community.
Kevin Ross Talks New Album, Longevity in R&B, and Touring with Ledisi
R&B singer, songwriter, and producer Kevin Ross caught up with Besa Gordon to share insights into his journey, artistry, and what fans can expect from his latest project. Known for blending soulful vocals with timeless songwriting, Ross continues to carve out his lane as an independent trailblazer in the music industry.
Harrell and Wilson Clash in Spirited Debate at Black Media Matters Studio
In a determining moment for the future of the Emerald City, Mayor Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson squared off in a spirited debate in the Black Media Matters studio last night. Moderated by host and executive producer of Converge Media’s Community Voices, Angela Poe Russell and FOX 13 Seattle’s David Rose, the debate sparked crucial dialogue and opposing strategies on public safety, affordability and housing, public transportation and accessibility, and Seattle’s Black community.