Seattle rapper and artist Mafi D recently joined host Curtis Delgardo II, aka Cuddy, on Almost The Weekend! for the first in-person edition of Artist Corner. Growing up in Seattle’s Central District, Mafi offered insights into his decade-long career, detailing the profound impact of his community-focused work and the collaborative energy behind his music.

Seattle Mayor-Elect Katie Wilson has announced the key personnel who will lead her transition into office. The team is composed of local leaders with experience in government, business, labor, housing, and community development, with the stated goal of preparing the new administration for success upon taking office.

The news hit us at Converge Media like a gut punch: Mattice Hoyt, the resilient and utterly inspiring "unofficial mayor of Tacoma," has left us. At just 39 years old, Mattice’s passing leaves a hole in the heart of Tacoma and in the hearts of all of us who had the privilege of knowing her. We are heartbroken, but we also find ourselves reflecting on the profound impact she had, not just on her community, but on each of us at Converge Media, Besa Gordon, and the entire Back2Besa family. (Read more here)

Last week on The Day with Trae, guest host Omari Salisbury welcomed JB Proctor-Mills, a pastor and Prevention and Intervention (PI) Specialist with Seattle Public Schools (SPS), to discuss the critical challenges facing young people today.

The Black Media Matters Studio was electric last week as Harlem Globetrotter Lucius "Too Tall" Winston joined host Besa Gordon for an in-depth conversation on Almost the Weekend! Beyond the mesmerizing tricks and signature dribbles, Too Tall offered profound insights into the Globetrotters' upcoming 2026 centennial tour, the team's unparalleled legacy, and the deep personal motivation that fuels him both on and off the court.

On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, Paul Sanders joined guest host Omari Salisbury to talk about his career in cinematography and production, and his strong relationship with Converge Media and the TV show Back2Besa. A seasoned professional who wears many hats, including videographer, cinematographer, editor, director, and producer, Sanders shared his journey from his roots in photography to his current work in creative direction and video production.

Host Trae Holiday sat down for a virtual conversation with Jerry Jones, the state workforce manager at Transfr, a learning platform helping students and job seekers find pathways to meaningful, well-paying careers. Holiday and Jones discussed the company's work in career training through virtual reality and the accessible and high-paying career paths it forges. 

Portland’s hip-hop scene comes alive when Festivale Cool Nutz takes over the Alberta Street Pub for two unforgettable nights of music, culture, and community on December 12th & 13th, 2025. Headlined and curated by Cool Nutz, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected hip-hop pioneers, Festivale Cool Nutz unites a powerhouse lineup of regional talent representing the best of the city’s sound.

Let’s be real, Seattle. The rain is back. The gray skies have officially settled in, and there’s only one appropriate response: ditch the salads, find your comfiest hoodie, and wrap your hands around a plate of soul-satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. Here are a few of Besa Gordon's favorite destinations to find that rainy-day warmth!

In the first episode of Chef Trey Lamont’s new series Food With Melanin, the owner of Jerk Shack Kitchen sat down for a compelling conversation at Fat’s Chicken and Waffles with Chef Erika White. In the first installment of the series airing in 2026, the two owners talked about White’s career as a Southern soul food chef, the establishment of Fats Chicken and Waffles in Seattle's Central District, and the importance of community in running a restaurant.

SEATTLE, WA – Seattle Mayor-elect Katie Wilson addressed the public on Thursday afternoon at the Seattle Labor Temple following her narrow win, framing her ascension to the city's highest office as a victory for the thousands of volunteers and working-class residents who powered her grassroots campaign.

SEATTLE, WA – Outgoing Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell delivered his concession speech Thursday afternoon at City Hall, just weeks before he is set to leave office. Speaking after a narrow election loss, the Mayor congratulated Mayor-elect Katie Wilson and reflected on his four years in office.

By a narrow margin, Katie Wilson is projected to win the 2025 Seattle mayoral race against incumbent Bruce Harrell. In light of her win, Converge looks back on Wilson’s first interview with Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae on April 6, 2025. Wilson, a self-described community organizer of 14 years and founder of the Transit Riders Union, spoke about her decision to run for mayor and what she planned to prioritize in office. 

KD Hall, a six-time Emmy-nominated TV show host, crisis manager, and non-profit leader of the KD Hall foundation, has announced the launch of her new book “Sacred Pause: A Conversation with KD Hall.” “Sacred Pause” is Hall’s first book as an author that explores and chronicles her journey with grief and a midlife crisis, inviting readers into her 30-day sabbatical of reflection, rest, and healing following her mother’s passing. 

On a recent episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed Franklin Johnson, an actor in Acts on Stage’s upcoming production Detroit '67. Playing the character Lank after a few years off from acting, Johnson discussed his journey on stage and offered a glimpse into the magic of the upcoming production.

The transformative healing arts studio A Space Inside recently hosted an open mic at River Seattle, hosted by Deaunte Damper, where local artists and marginalized creative voices could find solace and safety in the community’s undying support. Despite closing its doors earlier this year, A Space Inside’s permeates through the people it has touched, remaining a vital community hub for healing, expression, and unwavering support. 

Progressive challenger Katie Wilson has significantly extended her lead over incumbent Mayor Harrell today, now ahead by 1,346 votes, a major jump from yesterday's razor-thin 91-vote margin.

While Election Day has passed, the race is far from decided. Fewer than 100 (91) votes currently separate the outcome between incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson. As of the latest official updates (November 10, 2025), Wilson holds a slim lead, overturning a significant initial gap, and signaling a tense final stretch as the remaining ballots (Around 6000) are processed.

Chef Wally, the owner of Wally's Northwest Soul, opened the doors to his new storefront last month in Seattle’s Central District. After a decade and a half of serving the community through selling plates, catering, and pop-up spots, the chef described his new brick-and-mortar location as a return home, celebrating the monumental achievement with the community that has deeply influenced him.

Looking for free and affordable things to do this holiday season? Seattle Center has got you covered, with a fun and family-friendly holiday calendar packed with events, activities, and attractions through the rest of the year. From Seattle Center’s annual Winterfest series, presented by Symetra, to the Seattle Christmas Market, PNB's Nutcracker, and more, there is something for everyone to experience this November and December.