In her first major policy action since taking office, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson signed two executive orders today at El Centro de la Raza in Beacon Hill. The orders target two of the city’s most persistent challenges: unsheltered homelessness and public transit reliability.

By Besa Gordon - This week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Erin Mayovsky on Good Day Seattle to talk about where Back2Besa is headed in 2026 — and more importantly, why this work continues to matter to me on such a personal level. When Erin asked me to describe the soul of Back2Besa, the answer came easily. The soul of this show has always been the community.

By Besa Gordon - This week’s episode of Back2Besa is one of those that really made me pause. It’s about reflection, legacy, and the kind of community moments that remind you why the work — and the people — matter.

At a time when Black-owned businesses are grappling with unprecedented economic hurdles, capital constraints, and a silent epidemic of burnout, the Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) Symposium is returning for its seventh year with a decisive new agenda. The message is clear: success without sustainability is not success at all.

Taking the long way around isn’t just about the miles. For Converge Media co-founder Erik Kalligraphy, it’s about the narrative found in the margins. Recently, the Converge Media team hit the pavement for another installment of Converge on the Road, a series dedicated to capturing the pulse of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

For over three decades, community legend Earl Lancaster of Earl’s Cuts and Styles has been a perpetual presence in the Central District, existing as a sanctuary for the culture and a cornerstone of the community. Converge Media has been spending the past few months with Earl for an upcoming Community Legends documentary, photography, and podcast series.

During a recent conversation with The Big O, Chef Kristi Brown discussed the significance of narrative and the five-year milestone of Black culinary distinction at Communion Restaurant & Bar. Situated in the Central District at East Union Street and 24th Ave, Communion has dedicated the past five years to providing the community with outstanding care, exceptional soul food, and a remarkable team.

Port of Seattle Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa has officially announced her campaign for the King County Council, District 2 seat. The announcement positions Hasegawa as a candidate with deep community ties and extensive experience across public accountability, criminal justice, and equity-focused governance.

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.