We’re dedicated to continuing our work but we can’t do it alone. Please consider supporting our mission to cover critical issues in the Pacific Northwest from the street level.
BLOG
Capturing the Lowrider Life: The Visual Storytelling of Tony Two Times
Local photographer Tony Two Times recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss his transition from aspiring athlete to visual storyteller, born out of personal loss and a surprising gift from his father.
Jaelynn Scott Launches Campaign for Washington State House in the 37th District
Washington State House of Representatives candidate Jaelynn Scott held a semi-private event at Métier Brewery in Seattle’s Central District, attended by family, friends, and local supporters on Sunday, March 15. That same night, community leader Koach Giggz hosted Scott’s official afterparty at Black & Tan Hall.
Seattle Police Announce Arrest in Rainier Beach Double Homicide
Seattle City officials and law enforcement leaders announced today that an arrest has been made in the shooting deaths of two students earlier this year in the Rainier Beach neighborhood.
Seattle Preschool Program Expands Capacity for 2026-27 School Year
On Monday, March 16, Mayor Katie Wilson and the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) Director Dr. Dwane Chappelle announced that the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) is set to expand its capacity to serve up to 2,600 children in the 2026-2027 school year, marking the program's tenth year of implementation.
Chinga La Migra Art Show with Fulano De’Tal: Art, Identity, and the Power of Creative Expression
At the Chinga La Migra Art Show on March 7, artists gathered to share work that speaks to lived experience and cultural expression. Among them was artist Fulano De’Tal, whose work blends abstraction with emotional storytelling.
Couture Cocktails and Hunter in the Cup Showcase Mixology and Charcuterie in the Black Media Matters Studio
Black excellence and good vibes swarmed the Black Media Matters Studio last month when Couture Cocktails and Hunter in the Cup hosted a special Cocktails and Charcuterie Night. The event served as an intimate celebration of Black History Month, successfully combining high-end mixology and culinary art.
Dr. Rachel Issaka Celebrates Women’s History Month With Molly Moon’s Malva Pudding Cake Ice Cream
In a delightful blend of culinary passion and community support, leading gastroenterologist and researcher Dr. Rachel Issaka has introduced a Malva Pudding Cake ice cream at Molly Moon’s. The flavor is a rendition of Malva Pudding, a classic South African toffee sponge cake, elevated with apricot jam swirls and sweet cream ice cream.
An Enchanting Evening at the Ballet: Opening Night of ‘Firebird’ with Pacific Northwest Ballet
By Ashleigh McCurdy - Thursday night, I had the pleasure of attending the opening performance of Firebird presented by the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Surrounded by friends and fellow arts enthusiasts, the evening quickly became one of those experiences that reminds you why supporting the arts matters so deeply.
The Art of Holding Hands: Actress Devotion Charles on Community and the Stage
For Seattle-born actress Devotion Charles, the theater has always been not just a performance, but an extension of her community. In a recent conversation with host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae,” Charles reflected on her deep roots in the city's arts scene and her upcoming role in “Smart People,” a production by Acts On Stage.
The Unifying Force: How the Black History Month Market Built Community in Tigard
The second annual Black History Month Market and Celebration, held recently at The Practice Facility in Tigard, Oregon, was an energizing showcase of Black commerce, culture, and community in the Pacific Northwest. Organized by Converge Media producer Juma Blaq, the event was a deliberate effort to shine a light on Black excellence in an area often overlooked.
Mothers On The Front Lines March Unites Community Against Gun Violence in Seattle
The Mothers On The Front Lines march, held yesterday in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, was a display of community resilience and a collective call for systemic change. Organized by Echoes Of Our Children, Just/Us Love Ones, and We Got Us Moms, the event brought together grieving families, local advocates, and city officials to confront the city's ongoing gun violence crisis.
Pizza as a Canvas: Isaiah Ruffin’s Culinary Journey Through the Black Diaspora
Among the sprawling corporate campuses in Seattle’s South Lake Union, a new kind of culinary revolution is taking shape, one slice at a time. Last month, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon stopped by Pizza By Ruffin, one of Washington State’s favorite Black-owned pizzerias, to taste the rich and soulful flavors of Black communities around the globe.
Opening Night Magic: Besa Gordon Talks Falling in Love with Firebird at Pacific Northwest Ballet
By Besa Gordon - Last night was such a vibe. Huge thank you to Pacific Northwest Ballet for having the Converge Fam come out for opening night of Firebird. Seriously, what a beautiful show.
Delbert Richardson: Uncovering the Unspoken Truths Through Twenty Years of Storytelling
Guest host of “The Day With Trae” Alicia Crank recently sat down with award-winning storyteller Delbert Richardson to discuss the 20th anniversary of his national touring exhibit, the Unspoken Truths American History Traveling Museum. Richardson, a self-described "African born in America,” has dedicated two decades to re-educating the public on Black history and excellence.
Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs and Creators on This Week’s Episode of Back2Besa
This week on Back2Besa hosted by Besa Gordon, we’re celebrating women who are doing incredible things across the Pacific Northwest. From art and wellness to fitness, wine, and beauty, this episode shines a light on women who are building businesses, creating community spaces, and opening doors for others.
Exploring ‘Beyond Mysticism:’ Art, History, and a Journey Through the Creative Spirit of the Pacific Northwest
There's something special about walking into a museum and feeling as if you've stepped into a completely different world, where history, creativity, and storytelling intersect. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to experience exactly that during a private tour of Beyond Mysticism at the Seattle Art Museum, thanks to my partnership with Converge Media.
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.”