Between seasons of her show “The Day With Trae,” host Trae Holiday flew across the globe to South Africa for a well-deserved change of pace before coming in hot in the Black Media Matters Studio come February. After arriving in Johannesburg, South Africa just in time for an incredible New Years Eve celebration, Trae settled into Wonder Of Women International’s (WOW) healing villa.

J Styles Barber Shop, located at 3847 Rainer Avenue in South Seattle, Washington, is celebrating 25 years of business. Owner and barber Jameel Shabazz, who has been cutting hair for closer to 30 years, has been leaving the South Seattle community looking fresh and fabulous for decades, largely attributed to what he brings beyond a haircut. 

Dominique Stephens, an influential leader and drag king in Seattle joined host Deaunte Damper in July on “We Live In Color” to discuss her artistic and emotional journey, her perspective on activism, and the strength she draws from her identity and mother. Stephens, who Damper called a part of the compass of his heart and leadership, has been a sought-after guest since the show's first season.

Pacific Northwest Ballet is rolling out the red carpet, or perhaps, the magnificent golden ballroom, for the return of founding artistic director Kent Stowell’s production of “Cinderella.” This isn't just a classic tale, but a spectacle of human emotion and breathtaking artistry running for only ten performances, January 30 through February 8, 2026, at McCaw Hall.

Communion Restaurant & Bar recently marked its milestone fifth anniversary with a glamorous Harlem Renaissance-themed celebration earlier this year that focused on celebrating its staff and community—a theme dear to co-owner Chef Kristi Brown. The evening's festivities featured a quartet from the Garfield Jazz Band, food from De La Soil, a mural timeline of the restaurant's journey, and special acknowledgements to long-time staff members.

Legendary Seattle artist ZNi International is taking over Columbia City Theatre with a cast of local musical talent over MLK weekend for his show “ZNi & Friends.” Melding his own takes on reggae, pop, hip-hop, and afrobeats, ZNi is a force in the Seattle scene both in and out of the studio, bringing people together through the healing power of positivity and international appeal. 

The Big O joined Seattle News Weekly on Thursday to discuss two significant issues in King County: the upcoming Reclaiming The Village event at Garfield High School this weekend and the ongoing nonprofit fraud concerns.  

The Met Gala Edition of Scope Screenings successfully merged the worlds of fashion and film last month in a beautiful send off to the underground film festival’s fourth season. In a night of joyful creativity and community at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute in Seattle’s Central District, film commissioner Lex Scope rounded out the year by celebrating filmmakers and visual artists.

This week, Back2Besa is serving exactly what viewers have been asking for. After hearing from fans across DMs, comments, and emails, host Besa Gordon brings the Fan Foodie Favorites Edition to life — a full episode spotlighting some of the most-loved food segments ever featured on the show.

Reclaiming the Village: A Black Family & Community Summit is back this Saturday, January 10 at Garfield High School, marking the follow up to the inaugural summit last August. An essential conversation and community-building event, Reclaiming the Village is designed to center Black families, students, and the crucial community-based organizations that support them, all with the goal of strengthening the partnership between the school and the families it serves.

The Seattle City Council held its first meeting of the new term on January 6, 2026, where Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth was elected as Council President for the 2026-2027 term in a 9-0 vote. Council President Pro Tem Dan Strauss nominated Hollingsworth, which was seconded with no opposing nominations. Hollingsworth is the first Black woman to be elected president of the Seattle City Council. 

Erika J. Evans was sworn in as Seattle’s new City Attorney during an oath of office ceremony at City Hall on Monday. Her inauguration marks not only a transition in leadership, but a historic moment as she becomes the first Black person to hold the position in the city. 

MLB All-Star Julio Rodríguez has unveiled the fully renovated baseball complex in his hometown of Loma de Cabrera, Dominican Republic, marking a significant personal investment in the community where he began his career. Funded by a personal investment exceeding $1.3 million, the project introduces the Dominican Republic’s first-ever public astroturf baseball field, transforming the historic site into a modern, multi-sport facility.

Intiman Theatre is hosting an electric theatrical production “SHe Said,” running from Wednesday, January 14 to Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Seattle’s Erickson Theatre. The show is a deeply personal and transformational work written by Seattle’s own vocal dynamo, pianist, and songwriter, Jen Ayers. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of Portland’s creative scene, a new voice is emerging—not through words, but through the evocative, storytelling power of a Canon EOS Rebel T7. Dean Bechard, a 24-year-old photographer and creative director, has spent the last six months transitioning from a long-time hobbyist into one of the city’s most promising professional visual journalists.

Seattle City Hall was at capacity yesterday morning for the inauguration of Mayor Katie B. Wilson. The ceremony, held in the Main Lobby, drew an enthusiastic crowd to witness a transition of leadership that Wilson described as the start of a "new era" for the city.

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.