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Seattle Police Chief Barnes Addresses the City’s Surge in Youth Gun Violence
Seattle Chief of Police Shon Barnes recently joined "The Big O Show" in the Black Media Matter Studio to discuss the recent surge in gun violence and its impact on the city's youth. According to Chief Barnes, data from the past year showed a 63% increase in juveniles aged 13 to 17 listed as suspects.
Seattle Rain Got You Down? Besa Gordon Shares Self-Care Tips
By Besa Gordon - Seattle weather has been doing whatever Seattle weather wants to do these days… raining, windy, gray sky and just a little bit disrespectful to those of us that want to be outside.
Seattle Mayor's Office Hosts Black Business Leaders Roundtable
The Office of the Mayor hosted a Black Business Leaders Roundtable on Tuesday at City Hall, creating space for Black business owners and entrepreneurs across Seattle to address the city. Mayor Katie Wilson, Deputy Mayor Brian Surratt, and newly appointed Special Advisor on LGBTQ+ Affairs Dominique Stephens addressed the audience.
A Northwest Icon Honored: DJ O.G. ONE Day Officially Proclaimed in the Rose City
On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the atmosphere inside Portland City Hall shifted from civic routine to a celebration of culture. In a powerful and long-awaited moment, the Portland City Council officially recognized the life, career, and community impact of David Jackson—better known to the world as DJ O.G. ONE—by proclaiming November 30 as “DJ O.G. ONE Day.”
Reframing the Narrative with Akoth Ombaka: Why Immigration is a Fundamental Black Issue
On a recent episode of “We Live in Color,” host Deaunte Damper welcomed community organizer, builder, and healer, Akoth Ombaka, to discuss the intersection of Blackness and the immigrant experience.
PHOTOS: The 12th Annual Reign of Style Hair Show & Competition Electrifies Seattle Center
The 12th annual Reign of Style Hair Show & Competition recently electrified Seattle Center, reaffirming its status as the Northwest’s premier event for the beauty industry. With Back2Besa host Besa Gordon in attendance, this spectacular day brought together a galaxy of talent for a celebration of artistry, community, and friendly competition.
We STILL Dream A Future: Afrofuturism Exhibition at King Street Station Reclaims Humanity and Celebrates 20 Years of Truth
The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture is currently hosting an exhibition, “We STILL Dream A Future—Reclaiming Humanity: Afrofuturism Past, Present, Future,” on display at King Street Station through May 9, 2026.
Deon ‘The Bodimechanik’ Abdullah: Revolutionizing Health Through Culture and Community
On a recent episode of “The Day with Trae,” guest host Alicia Crank sat down with Deon “The Bodimechanik” Abdullah to discuss his unique approach to wellness and his mission to dismantle systemic barriers to health care.
Illuminating Futures Seattle Gala 2026 Fundraises for Underprivileged Students in STEM
The legendary R&B singer and former lead vocalist of Shalamar, Howard Hewett is headlining the Illuminating Futures Seattle Gala 2026, making his return to the Northwest stage. Hewett’s performance promises to be a spectacular experience, bringing his soulful voice and acclaimed artistry to an event dedicated to empowering the next generation of Black leaders.
Trae Holiday Reports: Making Sense of Colon Cancer, Screening, and Community Wellness
By Trae Holiday - On March 7th, 2026, the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Fred Hutch) partnered on a family friendly event to share information on colon cancer screenings. The statistics show that colon cancer impacts communities of the global majority in large numbers.
Artist Jonarra Swanson Unveils Profound Solo Show 'Paintbrush Legacy' in Pioneer Square
Artist, entrepreneur, and mother Jonarra Swanson recently unveiled her first solo exhibition in years, titled "Paintbrush Legacy," at Gallery AXIS in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. This collection features a series of never-before-seen pieces that delve into themes of self-determination, resilience, and the power of creating one’s own destiny.
Toraya Miller Talks GSBA's Commitment to Small Businesses and Advocacy
Toraya Miller, Director of Training and Consulting at GSBA, recently shared insights into the organization's multifaceted approach to supporting the LGBTQ+ and allied business community on “The Day With Trae” with guest host Alicia Crank. As the largest chamber of its kind in the nation, GSBA serves as a resource for small businesses, students, and advocates across the Greater Seattle Area.
Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream Celebrates Women’s History Month with 2026 Honorees and Seasonal Flavors
Since 2019, Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream has honored Women’s History Month by recognizing women whose leadership and work contribute to making communities safer, more equitable, and welcoming. For 2026, the company proudly presents four phenomenal women as its honorees: Jennifer Ament, Dr. Rachel Issaka, Nneka Ogwumike, and Joy Shigaki.
Redefining the Relationship with Self: Author O’Nell Agossa on the Practice of Curiosity
Canadian author O’Nell Agossa virtually joined host Trae Holiday on a recent episode of “The Day With Trae,” inviting readers to embark on a journey of self-reflection through his new work, “Curiosity and I: Let Curiosity Guide You.”
Besa Gordon: What Watching The Notebook at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre Taught Me About Memory, Love, and Journaling
Like most people, I thought I knew the story. Love story, romance, the whole thing. But what I didn’t expect was how deeply it would hit when the story reached their older years — when dementia enters the picture and love starts looking different.
What to Expect on This Week’s Episode of Back2Besa (03/07/26)
Another weekend means another episode of Back2Besa hosted by Besa Gordon, and this week we’re tapping into community, creativity, and the people who continue to show up and make a difference across the Pacific Northwest.
Besa Gordon Celebrates the Women of the Pacific Northwest on Good Day Seattle for Women’s History Month
By Besa Gordon - March is Women’s History Month, and during my latest appearance on Good Day Seattle, I wanted to take a moment to highlight something a little different.
PHOTOS: Portland’s Black History Month Market Fosters Unity, Culture, and Commerce
Unapologetic Black excellence defined the energy of the 2nd Annual Black History Month Market & Celebration in Tigard, Oregon, centering unity, culture, and commerce in the greater Portland area.
Boon Boona Coffee Launches New Landmark Location at Waterfront Park Overlook
Boon Boona Coffee recently achieved another major milestone with the grand opening of its newest location at the Waterfront Park Overlook in Downtown Seattle. The event marked an expansion of Boon Boona’s footprint across the region, which already includes locations in Renton, Capitol Hill, University District, and Redmond.
Imagining a Future of Repair: SAARC Launches ‘Days to Come’ Reading Challenge
The Seattle King County African American Reparations Committee (SAARC) is inviting you to engage in a profound civic dialogue through the "Days to Come" Reading Challenge. Running through Juneteenth, the challenge is centered on a critical question for the region: How can the community imagine and achieve reparations for King County Black communities?