By Ashleigh McCurdy - There are moments in my work that feel less like assignments and more like access to legacy, brilliance, and a whole new world. My recent visit to the private boathouse gallery of legendary glass artist Dale Chihuly was exactly that.

This week on Back2Besa, we’re tapping into community, culture, and the power of showing up for one another—highlighting the people and spaces making a real impact across the Seattle area.

By Besa Gordon - Event vibes anyone? This week, when I pulled up to Good Day Seattle, I decided to switch things up again because y’all really loved this format last time. Instead of previewing what’s coming up on Back2Besa, I put you on to some really dope events happening around the city this weekend.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has identified several key findings and general strategies for the Washington State Rail Plan following analysis and community engagement.

The Mother’s Justice Show guest host Omari Salisbury sat down on Monday with Lamarr Thompson, founder of Aisle 4our, for a deep dive into how community-led initiatives and democratic funding are reshaping the future of Skyway, Washington. 

It’s that time of year again. The energy in the Central District is shifting toward something truly special, because we are officially in the countdown to a cultural anchor in the Pacific Northwest: The Seattle Black Film Festival (SBFF).

On a recent episode of “The Day With Trae,” host Trae Holiday welcomed practitioner and herbalist J, also known as the Hood Healer, to discuss the role of holistic health and ancestral practices in modern community healing.

Urban Connoisseurs is set to host a groundbreaking celebration, the Men, Wine, and Spirits Dinner, designed to connect the pioneering legacy of America's first Black winery owner, John June Lewis, Sr., with the contemporary generation of Black winemakers and distillers. 

Fathers and Sons Together (FAST) returned to the Rainier Beach Community Center earlier this month to host the Barbershop Chat, Chew & Play event, creating a space for fellowship and joy in Rainier Beach.

Garfield High School’s (GHS) Gabriel “Coach G” Rapier is spearheading the GHS Booster Year Round Coaching Fundraiser to establish a pioneering Gym Attendant Position to benefit the entire GHS student body, year-round. 

Rahel Behailu, the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s health equity program executive recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day with Trae” to discuss her mission of finding solutions for health disparities.  

As Taproot Theatre celebrates its 50th season this year, what better time to make your way to the Jewell Mainstage Theatre in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood for the swinging production Ain’t Misbehavin’?

The American Federation of Arts (AFA) has officially announced a national tour for Willie Birch: Stories to Tell, a major exhibition spanning six decades of the legendary artist’s career. 

Kendra Liddell, representing the Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority (CDCPDA), recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to share insights regarding the revitalization of the The McKinney Center for Community & Economic Development.

Seattle-based artist Envi Jordan recently sat down with host Deaunte Damper on “We Live In Color” to share insights into his musical roots and his upcoming self-titled EP, “Envi.” 

By Besa Gordon: Event vibes anyone? This week, when I pulled up to Good Day Seattle, I decided to switch things up a little bit. Normally, I give you a preview of what’s coming up on Back2Besa, but this time I wanted to put you on to some really dope events happening around the city this weekend.

This week on Back2Besa, we’re taking over the Rose City—Portland, Oregon—and tapping into the people, places, and stories that continue to shape the city’s culture and community.

By Ashleigh McCurdy - There are productions you attend, and then there are productions that stay with you. Last night, I experienced the opening night of Les Misérables at the historic Paramount Theatre in Seattle, and what unfolded was nothing short of breathtaking. 

The Big O, Converge Media co-founder and host of “The Big O Show,” joined KUOW’s Soundside this week with host Libby Denkmann for a discussion on Central District icon Rahwa Habte, Mayor Katie Wilson’s first 100 days, and a historic shift in Mariners baseball. 

Back for the second time this season, Jackie Vaughn, Executive Director of Surge Reproductive Justice, joined host Deaunte Damper on “We Live In Color,” bringing attention to the local urgency of Black maternal health and Surge’s upcoming film screening happening this Saturday, April 11th.