Yesterday, the steps of Garfield High School were filled with a heavy, collective silence that eventually gave way to a powerful chorus of prayer and purpose. Yesterday should have been Amarr Murphy-Paine’s 19th birthday—a milestone of emerging adulthood. Instead, it served as a poignant 18-month marker since he was taken from a community that still feels the vibration of his absence every single day.

Besa Gordon takes a reflective look back at the 2023 V101.1 Holiday Jam at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, revisiting a moment when music, radio, and community collided. More than a concert recap, this segment captures the joy of being fully present—living in the moment with her radio family before realizing how meaningful that time would later become.

By Besa Gordon - HHHHAAAPPYYYY New Year’s Eve ya’ll. We’re almost out of 2025 just like it’s Almost The Weekend, speaking of which, last weekend on the show Cuddy and I did all NYE events, sooo, if you still need something do tonight, below (and in the video) I have a list of events in Tacoma, Bellevue, Bremerton, and more. 

If Cuddy’s talking New Year’s Eve, you already know it’s options on options. On this week’s Almost The Weekend! Cuddy broke down where the energy will be HIGH as we ring in 2026. From parties to elevated experiences, these picks are all about good vibes, good music, and bringing in the New Year the right way.

Few things compare to the sense and soundness of family. At Converge Media, we’re lucky to have a family of our own, connected through the walls of the Black Media Matters Studio and a shared mission to tell better stories in our community. Before the year ended, we made sure to come together as one, celebrate our accomplishments, sing, dance, take some fly pics thanks to photographer Jordan Somers, and rejoice in each other’s energy and brilliance.

Many people who follow Besa Gordon now have never experienced one of her mixers, so here’s the story. She launched the Real Seattle Media Mixer in 2019 to create a space that didn’t quite exist yet — where people in media, especially creatives of color, could come together to ask real questions, share real stories, and build genuine connections.

November’s “Scopesgiving” edition of the underground film festival Scope Screenings at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center shone a spotlight on the Pacific Northwest’s creative minds in film. The evening celebrated short-form content, from fashion-forward spec ads to documentary-style commercials and metaphysical comedies, including the trailer for Converge Media’s upcoming documentary “Diamond of Opportunity.”

As we reach the homestretch of 2025, our Converge team will take a much-needed break to hit the ground running in 2026. As we always say at Converge, we’re running a marathon, not a sprint, which means its time to take a deep breath, refocus our energy, and make sure we enter the new year committed to telling the best stories we can.

This week on Back2Besa, host Besa Gordon is closing out the year with something special — Besa’s Favorites, a curated episode highlighting some of the segments, moments, and stories that have meant the most to her along the journey.

This week on Almost The Weekend, hosts Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgado II, aka Cuddy, helped viewers lock in their plans ahead of New Year’s Eve and the arrival of 2026. The episode served as a full NYE guide, offering insight on where to go, how to move, and what to avoid as the year comes to a close.

Converge Media's Omari “The Big O” Salisbury recently joined his brother Chukundi Salisbury Sr. on the Mother's Justice Show on 1150 KKNW to discuss his new show, “The Big O Show,” the legacy of their parents, and the emotional toll of covering the Seattle protests. Chukundi was filling in as host for the show's incredible founder and his mother, Reverend Harriet Walden.

The second annual On the Block Holiday Special creative marketplace recently brought together a community of local artists, vendors, and creatives for a weekend of celebration and fundraising in Seattle. Held at the Quality Flea Center, the event was a coming-together and a vital effort to raise funds for the organization’s year-round programming.

Seattle artist Lady P recently hosted Lady P & Friends at Vermillion Art Gallery & Bar, presenting an intimate, community-driven live music event rooted in connection, reflection, and raw expression. More than a performance, the night felt like a gathering, bringing together close collaborators and longtime friends like MDM London, YKTMV, and PS, and her audience into a space that felt personal rather than performative.

The Legendary Dope Show recently welcomed Back2Besa and Almost The Weekend! host Besa Gordon for an honest, joyful conversation about her media journey, personal growth, and what she’s learned along the way — on and off the mic. Hosted by the one and only Elisha Michelle, the episode felt less like an interview and more like a reminder that sometimes the path makes sense only after you’ve lived it.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell recently joined "The Big O Show" to reflect on his term, the challenges he faced in office, and his vision for the city in light of the upcoming shift in power in January. 

Rocky Sandoval’s Winter Ball, a live R&B showcase and community-centered event, brought together artists, musicians, and supporters from across the Pacific Northwest at McMenamins Spanish Ballroom in Tacoma, WA. As host and artist, Sandoval said the night represented a full-circle moment, celebrating independent music, live musicianship, and real connection with the community. 

In an interview earlier this year on "We Live in Color,” host Deaunte Damper talked with the CEO of Tea With T LLC Amari Leach, who shared his journey from overcoming personal struggles to becoming a passionate advocate for youth and the LGBTQIA+ community.

The atmosphere at the Garfield Teen Life Center this past Saturday was electric, fueled by a spirit of teamwork and a shared mission to support Seattle’s youth. Seattle-based rapper Mafi D, in collaboration with the Freedom Project, hosted a powerful Toy Giveaway that brought families and children together for a day of joy and inspiration.

What better way to take on the dreary Seattle winter than a month of cozy museum days? Seattle Museum Month is scheduled to return for the entire month of February 2026, offering visitors and locals alike an opportunity to explore the Emerald City’s cultural landscape, art, and history with unbeatable deals. The program, presented by Visit Seattle, is designed as the perfect backdrop for a discounted getaway or staycation throughout the month of February.

“The Big O Show" recently hosted Anzhane Slaughter, the visionary and CEO of Young Black Homeowners (YBH), for a conversation with host The Big O about the importance of homeownership and the resources available to the Black community. Founded in 2022, YBH is a real estate education company dedicated to providing culturally relevant and trauma-informed home buyer education to guide buyers and sellers through the home-buying process.