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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Gun Violence, Seattle Protests Mead Gill Gun Violence, Seattle Protests Mead Gill

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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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