One week after the grand opening of Colman Commons, Executive Director Ashleigh McCurdy is still absorbing the magnitude of what the night meant for the artists, for the community, and for the future of the space itself.

The Black Media Matter studio was recently filled with an undeniable sense of reverence and warmth as guest host Sean Goode sat down with a regional icon: Gordon McHenry Jr.

If you didn’t catch artist Gifted Gab on The Pop-Up!, now’s your chance to circle back, because host The Big O laid out the red carpet. As Seattle’s premier hip-hop pioneer, Gab pulled up for an expansive conversation on all things music, culture, and hustle. 

On an unconventional episode of All My Friends Are Dope, ToyBox Consulting & Management founder Katoya Palmer sat down with host Erik Kalligraphy in the Black Media Matters studio. 

The waterfront was buzzing last week, and if you weren’t there, you missed a historic shift in our city’s cultural landscape. When Colman Commons officially threw open its doors, it transformed the historic Colman Building into a sanctuary for Black creativity, connection, and unfiltered joy. 

Comedian Nate Jackson is a force to be reckoned with. Between his worldwide tour, Netflix special, and stacked comedy festival happening this week, he dropped by The Pop-Up! for a conversation with guest host Deaunte Damper. 

Philosopher and community leader Terrance Turner, also known as C.A.U.T.I.O.N., didn’t shy away from addressing his unfiltered truth during a recent appearance on The Pop-Up!: Tacoma Takeover.

The heartbeat of the Pacific Northwest is about to get a whole lot louder and more soulful. On August 22 and 23, Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest is taking over Seattle Center, and this year, it’s all about creating a citywide family reunion.

The Pop-Up!: Tacoma Takeover host Elisha Michelle recently welcomed Savo, a Tacoma-based media professional, videographer, and the driving force behind the rapidly growing visual podcast and brand Get to Know ‘Em TV.

On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, guest host Deaunte Damper sat down with community candidate for State Representative, Washington’s 37th Legislative District, Kelabe Tewolde.

Fashion designer and culture creator Nate Alexander joined host The Big O on The Pop-Up! last week. Fresh off a decade-long stint in Atlanta, Alexander returned to his hometown of Tacoma, Washington in 2025 to shake up the Pacific Northwest fashion landscape.

Returning to the Black Media Matter Studios for another installment of The Love Lab with Debrena on The Pop-Up!, Debrena Jackson Gandy recently sat down with host The Big O to deliver a reality check on the state of modern romance.

If you were with us at Colman Commons last Friday, you felt the room shift the second you walked through the doors. The energy was warm, heavy in the best way, and electric with shared purpose. We were honored to host A Space Inside for their first open mic in over a year—marking the beginning of an exciting new partnership as their long-term home.

Holistic health practitioner and IT expert Heru TchaasAmen recently returned to The Day With Trae to share his evolving practice and underscore a timeless truth: true healing cannot happen in isolation.

Cameroonian poet and spoken word artist Darryl Foto recently joined The Pop-Up! with host The Big O where he discussed his rich background, creative journey, and the roots of Black Joy in the Pacific Northwest. 

The vibes were high in the Black Media Matter studios this week when The Pop-Up! welcomed Colman Commons Executive Director Ashleigh McCurdy. With the city buzzing in anticipation, McCurdy took to the mic to discuss one of the most exciting community developments of the summer: the Colman Commons Grand Opening, happening tomorrow, Thursday, August 6. 

The Seattle Mariners hosted the Seattle Owls softball team of Softball Beyond Borders at T-Mobile Park last night, delivering an inspiring pregame celebration before the squad travels to compete in the Nike RBI Softball World Series in Florida this weekend. Fresh off winning the Nike RBI West Regional Championship in Portland, the Owls spent time on the field during Mariners batting practice hosted by Nike RBI Ambassador George Kirby.

Recently on The Pop-Up!, hosted by The Big O, the Black Media Matter Studio transformed into a haven for raw, artistic reflection when R&B and hip-hop artist LIVt discussed the complexities of the Black experience, filmmaking, and the courage it takes for creators to truly find their voice.

The Day With Trae host Trae Holiday recently welcomed Jenefeness Franke, an esteemed educator, professor, and the mind behind Fiscal Finesse Consulting. The conversation centered on breaking down economic barriers and the upcoming Fifth Annual Black Business Leadership Conference.

On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with Seattle artist, music minister, and entrepreneur Sheila Kay Blackwell (known artistically as Sheila Kay) to discuss the upcoming release of her album, Dancing Naked, and the mission behind her company, Inspirational Productions.