Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) is seizing the narrative of classic storytelling and bringing it to the stage with the premiere of Resident Choreographer Jessica Lang’s “Momotaro.” Presented by the students of the PNB School, this narrated, family-friendly ballet is an exploration of timeless themes of courage, forgiveness, and the enduring power of family and friendship.

This week, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon stopped by Good Day Seattle, where she joined Lauren Donovan, who was filling in for Erin Mayovsky, to preview one of the show’s standout stories — the grand opening of Boon Boona Coffee on the waterfront.

This week’s episode of Back2Besa centers community—what it looks like, how it’s built, and why showing up for one another matters now more than ever. From conversations around youth mental health to moments of celebration, creativity, and legacy, the stories in this episode highlight the many ways people across Seattle continue to connect and care.

By Besa Gordon - Growing up, I spent a lot of time at teen health centers—not because something was “wrong” with me, but because I needed a safe place to talk, process, and breathe. Middle school and high school were the first times I learned what it meant to ask for help, sit with a counselor, and use mental health support as a tool instead of something to fear. Looking back, that access shaped the way I move through life today.

Get ready for an incredible weekend of baseball as the second annual HBCU Seattle Series returns, bringing together Seattle University and Jackson State for a powerful three-game matchup from March 6–8. This year's series culminates in a special finale at T-Mobile Park on Sunday, March 8, at 2 p.m. PT.

By Ashleigh McCurdy - My 38th birthday recently passed, and instead of celebrating loudly, I chose to celebrate intentionally. This year, I checked into The State Hotel alone. Not because I didn’t have people to celebrate with, or because I was running from anything, but because I wanted space. Space to reflect, listen, and honor the woman I’ve become.

On a recent episode of “We Live In Color,” Rami El Gharib, a community healer and restorative justice advocate, sat down with host Deaunte Damper to discuss elevating justice systems to support marginalized voices and crime survivors. 

Opera singer Amber Monroe recently sat down with host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss her journey from an animal science major at Tuskegee University to her current role as Mary Johnson in Seattle Opera’s production of “Fellow Travelers,” debuting this Saturday, Feb. 21st.

The iconic Seattle-based clothing brand Mediums Collective is once again lighting the creative scene ablaze with a Brown Voices Poetry & Spoken Word Night this Friday, February 20th. The event marks the Collective’s effort to carve out a safe, creative haven for Black and brown expression, with owners and brothers Roger and Cesar Maldonado planning to break new boundaries in 2026 amidst their storefront’s expansion. 

Emotion and solidarity consumed the Black Media Matters Studio last week when Converge Media hosted the Empowering Youth Firearm Outreach Program (EYFO) cohort. Primarily composed of students from Rainier Beach and Garfield High Schools, the group visited the studio to witness the impact of Black-led media firsthand.

Earlier today, Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson delivered her first State of the City address at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, a venue chosen for its deep roots in the city's Black history. While the speech touched on a broad "affordability agenda," the emotional and policy core was centered on a recent spike in gun violence—most notably the deaths of two Rainier Beach High School students.

At the official listening party for R&B artist Jaymin’s new EP “Sweet Nothings” at Seattle’s Smith Tower last week, Jaymin talked with “Almost The Weekend!” host Curtis Delgardo II about breaking free of his self-imposed musical hiatus and rewiring masculinity with vulnerability and love.  

The stage at McCaw Hall is set for a dramatic return as the Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) brings back Founding Artistic Director Kent Stowell’s epic, one-act story ballet, “Firebird,” after a two-decade hiatus.

Seattle basketball legend Donald Earl "Slick" Watts remains a towering figure whose legacy extends far beyond the court. A symbol of heart, resilience, and deep community pride, Watts' spirit is set to be honored at a special community celebration: the Basketball Empowerment Camp, aptly titled "Thank You for the Love” on March 21, 2026 at the Rainier Beach Community Center.

Over the weekend, 100 Black Parents’ Reclaiming The Village series brought together Black families, community leaders, and educators at Garfield High School to address deep-seated issues facing Black students and families in Seattle.

Olympia, WA – A coalition of youth and advocates recently convened at the state capitol on Criminal Justice Advocacy Day. The event centered on criminal justice reform, with attendees urging lawmakers to prioritize healing and opportunity for those impacted by the legal system.

Seattle, get ready for a night of pure flavor and Black excellence this Saturday with the Cocktail & Charcuterie Experience, brought to you by two of the city's most innovative Black woman-owned businesses: Couture Cocktails and Hunter in the Cup. 

The Central District Art Walk recently transformed the historic Seattle neighborhood into a self-guided tour of art, culture, and commerce. The event, which has been running for about a year and a half, takes place every first Friday of the month to celebrate the overflowing creativity of the Central District and its artists. The theme for February’s edition of the art walk was “Black Love” in homage to Black History Month and Valentine's Day.

#ConvergeOnTheRoad - The Converge Media crew recently tapped in with DJ Defkawn and DJ Troll King, the dynamic duo behind the legendary radio show, "The Re-Up," broadcasting live from KSVR 91.7 FM in Mount Vernon, Washington. The on-air conversation between the DJs and the Converge hosts was a meeting of minds focused on community, culture, and the importance of Black Media. 

This week on Back2Besa, we're dedicating the show to the youth who are leading the way and shaping the world. Host Besa Gordon is shifting the focus from celebration to accountability, asking a pointed question: if we can come together for the Seahawks, what would it look like if we did the same for our kids?