Besa Gordon joined Good Day Seattle this morning to discuss the Empowering Youth Firearm Outreach Program (EYFO), a partnership between the University of Washington and the Seattle Police Department.  At its core, EYFO shares firearm trauma resources and teaches digital literacy situational awareness, empowering young leaders to use their voices and social media platforms for positive change.

On the season premiere of “We Live in Color,” community organizer Monisha Harrell joined host Deaunte Damper to share insights into her career as Seattle's first Black, lesbian Senior Deputy Mayor and a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Washington State. 

Through Sunday, February 15, a special 50th-anniversary production of “The Wiz” is taking over the Paramount Theatre, featuring veteran performer Alan Mingo Jr. in the titular role. On a recent “The Day With Trae” special, Mingo sat down with host Trae Holiday to discuss how taking the stage as the Wiz is the culmination of a lifelong journey of artistic inspiration that he hopes to pass down to the next generation of performers.

Advocacy for sweeping criminal justice and social change reached the steps of the Washington State Capitol in Olympia on Criminal Justice Advocacy Day earlier this week. The event brought together a collection of community organizations, dedicated advocates, and youth leaders to center the push for systemic reform around the people most impacted by current laws. 

The Emerald City shined bright last night when the national tour of “The Wiz” made its long-awaited landing at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre. This isn’t your grandmother’s trip to Oz; it’s a 21st-century reimagining that keeps its soul firmly rooted in the 1975 original while injecting a fresh, modern energy that had the opening night crowd on its feet.

Seattle Mariners FanFest was a historic kickoff to the baseball season, generating excitement for what the team has in store for 2026. The weekend's highlight was a monumental announcement led by Converge Media: the Steelheads are officially back. 

The new Boon Boona Coffee location at the Waterfront Park Overlook celebrated its Grand Opening last week with an enthusiastic crowd of community members and leaders. The successful launch marked a significant expansion for the local coffee staple, with locations in Renton, Capitol Hill, University District, Redmond, and now Downtown Seattle’s new Waterfront Park.

The Central District Art Walk recently transformed the historic Seattle neighborhood into a self-guided celebration of local art, culture, and commerce. The monthly showcase adopted the meaningful theme of "Black Love" for its First Friday event in February. Converge co-founders Erik Kalligraphy and The Big O were on hand, experiencing the creative energy that permeated the district.

Converge co-founders Erik Kalligraphy and The Big O recently attended the 2026 Black-Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) Symposium at the Seattle Public Library main branch. Aimed at addressing the significant challenges facing Black-owned businesses and honoring Black business owners and allies in the region, the Symposium introduced a new agenda centered on long-term business viability. 

Community members, parents, and leaders gathered last month in the Garfield High School Library for “Reclaiming the Village,” an ongoing series of convenings aimed at addressing persistent challenges and restoring the legacy of the historic Central District school. The event brought together stakeholders to discuss the state of Garfield and mobilize resources to ensure student success.

The City of Seattle is deepening its commitment to youth mental wellness, cutting through red tape and financial barriers to ensure that every young person has access to support. Through the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL), a network of partnerships is mobilized to deliver free telehealth, virtual therapy, and school-based care for middle school, high school students, and young adults up to age 24.

After two Rainier Beach High School students were shot and killed last week, Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Shon Barnes held a press conference, followed by a conversation with The Big O at the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle’s Central District. The Chief discussed youth violence, the evolving challenges of public safety, and the role of police officers in schools. 

Get ready, Pacific Northwest! The 12th Annual Reign of Style Hair Show & Competition (ROS) is back, and it's bringing a full day of creativity, style, and high-octane energy to the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall on Sunday, March 1st, 2026. With Converge Media’s own TraeAnna Holiday hosting this year’s event, the energy will be unmatched.

This episode of Back2Besa highlights the legacy, creativity, and community rooted inside the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. From storytelling and healing through dance, to artists being supported on and off the stage, the show brings together powerful moments that reflect why Langston continues to matter. Featuring the Griot Party Experience, Create and Thrive, Seattle’s ballroom scene, Kutt N’ Up’s 20-year legacy, Scope Screenings, and a moving one-woman performance by Lakema Bell.

By Besa Gordon - With Super Bowl Sunday right around the corner, I stopped by Good Day Seattle to help folks lock in the perfect place to watch the big game — while supporting local businesses at the same time. I teamed up with my guy Mark TellsYa, who took viewers on a quick tour of several spots around Seattle.

Get ready to celebrate community, culture, and Black excellence at the 2nd Annual Black History Month Market & Celebration in Portland, Oregon. Join organizer Juma Blaq for an unforgettable Sunday afternoon packed with family fun, food, and incredible talent. This year is set to be bigger and better than ever, featuring a stacked entertainment lineup and a chance to support Black-owned businesses and farmers from across Oregon.

The future of baseball recently shone brightly at the Mariners Training Center in Columbia City as the Mayor League Baseball (MLB) ID Tour returned to Seattle for its second year. This "pro-style" workout is designed to uncover local gems like Kobe Reese and Cameron Dietrich, who were discovered at last year's tour stop and are now highly-touted prospects in the class of 2028.

The Re-Sole 206, Seattle's inaugural sneaker dry cleaner, recently hosted Northwest Credible Messenger (NWCM) youth for "Designing the Path,” a custom sneaker workshop. The Re-Sole 206 founder, Takiyah "T-DUB" Ward, whose state-of-the-art facility specializes in sneaker cleaning, restoration, and customizing, was all about sharing her knowledge with the next generation. 

My grandmother is from Louisiana, and with her came Creole heritage, Southern tradition, and lessons that shaped the woman I am today. She taught me how to cook real food, the kind that feeds your soul as much as your stomach. She taught me how to bake with patience, season with intention, and move through the kitchen like it’s a sacred space.

#ConvergePDX - At Converge, we believe in uplifting Black joy across the entire Pacific Northwest. Recently, that Black joy was on full, commanding display at The Mixer: Making P(OR)tland Home in Portland, Oregon. At our second year covering the event, the community transformed The Evergreen into a sacred space rooted in presence, storytelling, and community, bringing together Black professionals, creatives, and leaders across Portland.