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The Cutting Edge Barber Mentorship Program in Renton Shapes Local Talent
As the inaugural six-week Cutting Edge Barber Mentorship Program at Personal Touch Barbershop in Renton, Washington recently reached its final week, what began as a community-voted proposal has blossomed into a pipeline for local youth to reclaim economic self-reliance.
Building a Culture of Responsibility: Inside the Alliance for Gun Responsibility’s Mission with Gregory Joseph
Alliance for Gun Responsibility Communications Director Gregory Joseph joined host The Big O on The Pop-Up! to discuss the organization's extensive work in nationwide gun violence prevention.
Youth Ambassadors Joshua Wheeldon and Melodie Slaughter Champion Peace on The Pop-Up!
In a recent episode of The Pop-Up, the raw and urgent perspectives of two young leaders, Joshua Wheeldon and Melodie Slaughter, dedicated to ending gun violence filled the Black Media Matters Studio.
Lock It Up Program Manager Karyn Brownson Discusses Essential Gun Safety on The Pop-Up!
In a recent episode of The Pop-Up, host Omari Salisbury sat down with Karyn Brownson, the program manager for Seattle and King County’s Lock It Up Program, to discuss the role of safe firearm storage in community safety.
Journalism Legend Essex Porter Reflects on Media Evolution and Community Storytelling in Seattle
In a recent appearance on The Mother's Justice Show, retired Emmy-winning political reporter Essex Porter joined host The Big O to discuss his storied career, the shifting media landscape, and his ongoing work within the Seattle community.
King County Prosecuting Attorney Kimberly Wyatt on Using ERPOs to Disrupt Gun Violence
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kimberly Wyatt recently appeared on The Pop-Up to discuss key preventative measures in the fight against gun violence.
Portland’s Silicon Forest: Bridging Innovation and Community, Empowering the Next Generation
The third annual Silicon Forest Tech Summit convened in Portland, Oregon in March at the Oregon Convention Center, marking another year of bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and community engagement.
Eddie Purpose Highlights Community Empowerment and Greatness on The Pop-Up!
In a recent appearance on The Pop-Up, Eddie Purpose, the founder and executive director of Progress Pushers, shared a vision for community-led violence intervention and the importance of recognizing the "greatness" within every young person.
Building for Eternity: Construction Begins on the Tubman Health Center
On June 5, community members, partners, elected officials, and supporters gathered near the Rainier Beach light rail station for a ceremony marking the official start of construction on the 26,000-square-foot Tubman Health Center, a facility designed by community, for community.
World Cup in the 206: How to Move Like a Pro with King County Metro
With the FIFA World Cup tournament running from June 11th through July 19th, traffic is going to be… well, a lot. But King County Metro is stepping up to make sure that whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just a local trying to get to brunch, you can navigate the city without the headache of gridlock or parking woes.
Together We End Gun Violence: Eleuthera Lisch Discusses Holistic Public Safety on The Pop-Up!
Last week, Eleuthera Lisch, Director of the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROVGP), joined host Omari Salisbury on The Pop-Up! to discuss the county’s evolving strategies during Together We End Gun Violence Week.
Deaunte Damper Advocates for Holistic Safety Against Gun Violence on ‘The Pop-Up’
In a recent episode of The Pop-Up, King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) Community Engagement Specialist Deaunte Damper discussed the intersection of personal identity, government action, and the urgent mission to end gun violence.
Portland Community Gathers for The Mixer to Focus on Intentional Resilience
The Mixer in Portland, Oregon brought together a group of Rose City residents at The Evergreen in April to discuss the future of their city through the lens of the Black experience.
Lonnisha Landry Talks Creating Support Systems for Gun Violence Survivors on The Pop-Up!
Lonnisha Landry, the founder of the nonprofit organization Just/Us Loved Ones, recently appeared on The Pop-Up! to share her story of loss and advocacy as part of Together We End Gun Violence Week.
Jenine Lewis: A Mother’s Mission for Healing and Change on The Pop-Up!
Jenine Lewis, the founder of Solace, recently appeared on The Pop-Up! to discuss her ongoing mission to combat gun violence and support grieving families.
Reign Of Style Honors Washington's Talented Beauty Professionals at 7th Annual MANE Awards
The Washington State beauty community gathered recently for the 7th annual MANE Awards. Hosted by Reign Of Style, the ceremony was dedicated to nominating, crowning, and celebrating the region's talented beauty professionals.
Justice Beyond Bars: Seattle Proclaims June 6 as Amarr Murphy-Paine Day
In a chamber filled with heavy grief and defiant hope, the Seattle City Council officially proclaimed June 6 to be Amarr Murphy-Paine Day on Tuesday, June 2 at Seattle City Hall.
Raising Pride, Rallying for Change: Deaunte Damper Leads Seattle’s Pride Month Kickoff
June 1st marked the start of Pride Month in Seattle, and the community energy was palpable. Deaunte Damper, host of We Live In Color and Grand Marshal for Seattle Pride 2026, led the charge with back-to-back Pride Flag Raising ceremonies in the heart of downtown, signaling a month defined by equal parts celebration and activism.
Social Justice at a Crossroads: TK Turner's Candid Discussion on Seattle's Equity Progress on The Pop-Up!
Six years after first meeting as a protest leader and a journalist respectively, Tealshawn "TK" Turner reunited with host The Big O at the Black Media Matters Studios for a candid discussion on The Pop-Up! regarding the current state of social justice and Turner’s own personal evolution.
Fathers and Sons Together Fosters Hope in Rainier Beach with Barbershop Chat, Chew & Play
Fathers and Sons Standing Together (FAST) hosted a Barbershop Chat, Chew & Play at the Rainier Beach Community Center on April 4th, 2026. FAST gave adults and youth the opportunity to get their hair cut and engage with local vendors, live entertainment, guest speakers, and more.