The 2026 HBCU Seattle Series returns to the Northwest this March, led by Baseball Beyond Borders (BBB). The weekend brings Jackson State University baseball to Seattle University from March 6–8, 2026, marking a historic moment for Black collegiate sports visibility in the Pacific Northwest. What began with the 2023 HBCU Swingman Classic has evolved into a homegrown movement to build pipelines, shift narratives, and prove that representation on the field changes what youth believe is possible.

Communion Restaurant recently marked its milestone fifth anniversary with a glorious celebration focused on gratitude and community. The event was deliberately focused on staff appreciation, a theme near to co-owner Chef Kristi Brown’s heart. The evening was a glamorous affair, styled with a Harlem Renaissance theme, enhanced by a quartet from the Garfield Jazz Band.

#ConvergeMediaPresents - We recently expanded our storytelling horizons into Seattle’s cannabis culture when LUVN Social Club hosted an infused Game Night at a private loft in Interbay. Spearheaded by Chef Unika of LUVN Kitchn in partnership with Seattle Sluggers and Magnus Premium, the Game Night fused gourmet cannabis-infused cuisine, community, and friendly competition.  

In a media landscape often cluttered with noise, misinformation, and homogenized narratives, the role of independent Black media has never been more critical. For generations, Black-owned press has served as a lifeline—a trusted source of information, a platform for authentic storytelling, and a powerful instrument for social justice. Today, as communities face renewed challenges and a constant battle for equitable representation, outlets like Converge Media are proving that Black media isn't just an alternative; it's an essential pillar of our democracy and community well-being.

“The Big O Show” recently hosted Tyrah Majors, a multi-hyphenate media powerhouse, two-time Emmy award-winning journalist, and anchor for ARC Seattle. Recognized on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list as one of the youngest Black women in America in a lead on-air position in a major US market, Majors shared her incredible journey that led to this massive milestone.

Besa Gordon recently joined Good Day Seattle to spotlight the impactful work of Northwest Credible Messenger, a Federal Way–based organization dedicated to supporting youth, young adults, and community members through mentorship, behavioral health, and community-centered programming.

#ConvergeOnTheRoad - The energy was high in Mt. Vernon, Washington when Converge's own Curtis Delgardo II, aka Cuddy, and Besa Gordon linked up with DJ Defkawn and DJ Troll King on “The Re-Up” on KSVR 91.7 FM radio. While Besa and Cuddy regularly light up the Black Media Matters Studio like nobody’s business, they’re also everywhere like air, demonstrating Converge’s commitment to connecting with the community on the road.

The Back2Besa crew recently kicked it at Métier Brewing in the Central District, where they connected with multi-disciplinary artist Damon Brown, better known as Creative Lou, the visionary behind many of Métier's striking beer can designs. Back2Besa host Besa Gordon and Converge co-founders The Big O and Erik Kalligraphy held it down behind the scenes. 

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the community gathered at Garfield High School to celebrate the civil rights leader’s life and legacy, marking 65 years since Dr. King himself walked the campus grounds. Amidst the annual rally and march organized by the Seattle MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition, The Big O spoke with “The Day With Trae” host Trae Holiday and “We Live In Color” host Deaunte Damper to reflect on the progress made and the work that still remains.

Photojournalist and host of “The Rundown” ProofNThePlay captured magic in the Hangar 30 parking lot at Magnuson Park during a recent Seattle Snap photo meetup. What makes a Seattle Snap event special isn’t the location, the gear, or even the images themselves — it’s the vibe, Proof said. Every meetup is a chance to encounter new creatives and subjects, enjoy a shared enthusiasm for photography, and ruminate in the unfiltered joy of creating with others. 

Seattle’s Fourth Annual Disabled List Comedy Festival returns January 22–25, 2026, bringing four nights of sharp, joyful, and unapologetically disabled comedy to Northwest Film Forum and Theatre Off Jackson. Produced and hosted by local comedians Dan Hurwitz and Kayla Brown, the festival builds on three consecutive sold-out years with its biggest lineup yet.

This week’s episode of Back2Besa is one of those that really captures where my head — and my heart — are right now. It’s about intention, staying open, and being willing to experience joy in ways you might not expect.

Seattle, get ready to tap into some real, raw history with an emotionally charged love story. This February, Seattle Opera is kicking off the national tenth-anniversary tour of “Fellow Travelers” at McCaw Hall. 

Alright, coffee fam—let’s put you on to something special. What better way to commemorate the cold than to shout out some of Besa Gordon’s favorite PNW coffee spots that are not just serving up incredible brews, but also pouring back into the community? From Tacoma to Seattle, these are some of the Black-owned businesses and innovative cafes that are changing the game.

Emmy award-winning choreographer Koach Giggz, a dynamic force originally from Seattle, recently marked his birthday with a spectacular four-day "Giggzs Day OKC" celebration. This massive success highlighted not only his deep, cross-country connections but also his dedicated commitment to community-building since establishing roots in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma last year.

After photographer Jordan Somers recently photographed the Converge family in all their glory, he left the Black Media Matters Studio with resounding reflections in classic Jordan style. His profound observations both behind the camera and as a deep thinker are reasons why he plays a critical role in the Converge Media family. 

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.