MarcusAllen Wells, a co-founder of Unbound Health and Wellness, recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss his fresh, holistic perspective on the fitness industry. His personal journey, shaped by experiences as an inner-city athlete, personal injury, and the loss of his grandmother, provides a deep understanding of wellness. 

Wells candidly shared that he experienced a depressive state that caused him to lose his love for fitness, a passion that was later reignited while coaching high school football in Portland, Oregon. Observing the athletes' dedication in the weight room inspired Wells to return to the gym himself, eventually leading him to become a personal trainer and co-founding Unbound Health and Wellness. 

Unbound Health and Wellness distinguishes itself by creating a family-oriented space, which provides the comfort essential for clients, as Wells points out that the "hardest part about doing this fitness thing is getting to the gym.” Beyond physical training, the team focuses on their clients' mental and spiritual well-being, considering themselves "holistic guys that want to help guide you down this road.” 

Learn more about Unbound Health and Wellness by following them on social media, and check them out in-person at 1419 11th Ave, Seattle. 

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Jordan Daisy, co-founder of Unbound Health and Wellness and author of “A Daisy's Growth,” recently shared his inspiring fitness journey on “The Day With Trae” with host Trae Holiday. 

A former star athlete, Daisy faced a challenging turn in his life that led to a 14-year prison sentence. Rather than succumbing to the situation, he intentionally used his time away as a period of preparation and personal development, viewing it as "the practice before the game" for his return to society. His dedication to fitness became a source of clarity and restored self-belief during his incarceration.

Daisy's latest and most significant project is Unbound Health and Wellness, a center he first envisioned while in prison. The gym is dedicated to complete wellness, providing services that include one-on-one and small group training, pre- and post-rehab services for injuries, and recovery tools. 

Learn more about Unbound Health and Wellness by following them on social media, and check them out in-person at 1419 11th Ave, Seattle. 

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Nyasia and Kwame Sarfo, the founders of Love4ever24, recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss their marriage enrichment business and what it takes to build and endure in long-term relationships.

The couple, who have been "inseparable for 24 years" since meeting in college, created their business after realizing many people invest heavily in their weddings but few dedicate the same resources to the marriage itself.

A cornerstone of their approach is authenticity, moving past the curated "glitz and glam" of social media to share the realities of commitment. As Nyasia stated, “Anything worth having is work, but it's worth it, especially with the right person.”

Their "real" approach involves tackling tough topics like communication, finances, and gender roles, which includes debunking common myths about who should handle household tasks. Kwame stressed the importance of viewing relationship check-ins as a sign that "someone values me enough to want to know that I made it to my destination safely.”

Central to the Love4ever24 mission is the power of community, which aims to break the traditional silence that often surrounds relationship struggles in the Black community. The couple hosts events that feature panel discussions with couples at various stages of marriage to create a trustworthy space for growth.

Nyasia and Kwame are hosting A Conversation On Friendship In Marriage on Saturday, April 4th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Labour Temple, 2800 1st Ave, Seattle. Get your tickets today and learn more about Love4ever24 at love4ever24.com.

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Local photographer Tony Two Times’ journey to becoming a visual storyteller was an unconventional one, transitioning from an aspiring professional basketball player to shooting his shot behind the lens. On a recent episode of “The Day With Trae” with host Trae Holiday, Tony discussed his path to the artform and involvement in Seattle’s lowrider community.

During a period of deep grief following his uncle's passing, Tony’s father gave him his first camera to document the funeral in an effort to help Tony find a new focus. This moment ultimately redefined his career, he said.

Tony began his work in the lowrider community, capturing the intricate details and exciting atmosphere of car shows. He recalled a pivotal moment at the Eazy Duz It Car Show in White Center, Seattle where he was driven by the desire to see how his photos made people feel. His dedication and consistent presence in the community led to a major career milestone in his second year: having his work featured in “Lowrider Magazine."

Today, Tony continues to expand his portfolio, working with models and capturing everyday life in Seattle. He remains driven by the power of photography to document history and preserve memories for future generations.

Follow Tony on social media, view his work at shotbytony2x.com, and reach out to him via email at shotbytony2x@gmail.com.

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

For Seattle-born actress Devotion Charles, the theater has always been 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 as Valerie Johnston in "Smart People," a production by Acts On Stage opening this Friday, March 13th.

Charles’s acting journey began at age 14 at Rainier Beach High School, where a pivotal encounter with Acts On Stage founder Michelle Lang-Raymond sparked a lifelong passion. After taking time away from the stage to focus on motherhood, Charles found that returning to the arts allowed her to rediscover a core part of herself that loves being creative and telling stories through art.

In "Smart People," Charles and her fellow cast and crew explore complex themes of identity and race during the era of Barack Obama’s first presidential election, a story Charles is particularly excited for the audience to see unfold from multiple perspectives.

"Smart People” runs from Friday, March 13th through Sunday, March 22nd at Acts On Stage in White Center, Washington. Get your tickets at actsonstage.com.

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Toraya Miller, Director of Training and Consulting at GSBA, recently joined guest host Alicia Crank on “The Day With Trae” to discuss the organization's comprehensive support for the LGBTQ+ and allied business community. As the nation’s largest chamber of its kind, GSBA is a vital resource for small businesses, students, and advocates in the Seattle region. 

The organization’s strategy is built on key pillars—business support, philanthropy, and advocacy—that intentionally intersect to form a holistic, wraparound service. This approach includes GSBA's scholarship fund, which not only provides financial aid but also connects LGBTQ+ scholars with corporate internships, creating a circular system of support that benefits both students and small businesses within the chamber.

Looking ahead, Miller and GSBA are actively involved in community safety and information dissemination as Seattle prepares for major upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup and Pride in June. The organization employs a dedicated safety coordinator who collaborates closely with the Seattle Police Department and city officials to address community concerns. 

Miller highlighted the importance of education in negating fear, positioning GSBA as a "one-stop shop" for accurate information and inclusive marketing strategies as the city enters its busy summer season.

For more information about GSBA and their upcoming events, visit thegsba.org and subscribe to their newsletter. 

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Award-winning storyteller Delbert Richardson recently sat down with guest host Alicia Crank on “The Day With Trae” to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his nationally touring exhibit, the Unspoken Truths American History Traveling Museum. 

Richardson, who identified as an "African born in America," has spent two decades passionately dedicated to re-educating the public on Black history and excellence. This commitment was born from his own experience growing up in the 1950s and 60s, where he lacked exposure to Black history in school, leading him to discover the power of self-identity later in his education at the University of Washington.

The museum's foundation lies in Richardson's decades of collecting Black Americana and artifacts, including those originally used in the marketing of white products. Today, the exhibit utilizes authentic artifacts and storyboards to construct a chronological timeline that effectively links modern disciplines like STEM back to Africa. This work is essential to push back against what Richardson called the "master narrative" of American history, ensuring that Black achievement and presence are seen in spaces where they are often omitted.

The Unspoken Truths exhibit is currently on display at Seattle’s King Street Station, 303 S Jackson St Top floor, Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 1st. 

Learn more about the Unspoken Truths American History Traveling Museum at unspokentruths.org 

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

On a recent episode of “The Day with Trae,” guest host Alicia Crank sat down with Deon “The Bodimechanik” Abdullah to discuss his unique approach to wellness and his mission to dismantle systemic barriers to health care. 

A licensed massage therapist and fitness trainer, Abdullah is the co-founder of Londyn Rayne Therapy, a family-centered business dedicated to providing innovative and culturally responsive wellness services to underrepresented communities in the Pacific Northwest. Abdullah advocates for a profound shift in perspective, arguing that health should be viewed as culture, much like nutrition or daily rituals.

To make his vision a reality, Abdullah operates Londyn Rayne Therapy with a strong focus on accessibility. Many of their offerings, including those through partnerships with organizations like Ford Sports Performance, Fabletics, and BLK Summer Run Club, utilize a donation-based model, highlighting his belief that financial status should never be a barrier to fitness. 

His community-driven approach includes a rigorous schedule of accessible workouts, such as The Lions Club circuit training, MixxedFit dance classes, Saturday Sessions at Fabletics featuring yoga and Pilates, and the BLK Summer Run Club community meet-ups.

Follow Abdullah @therealbodimechanik on Instagram for more information on his events. 

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

On a recent episode of “The Day With Trae,” host Trae Holiday welcomed Dr. Rachel Issaka, a gastroenterologist from Fred Hutch Cancer Center, dedicated to improving colorectal cancer awareness and screening rates, particularly within underrepresented communities.

Dr. Issaka shared clinical insights from her time in Chicago, where she observed a significant divide: Black and Latino patients were more hesitant to undergo screening, despite being more likely to get and die from colon cancer compared to their white counterparts.

Now practicing in the Pacific Northwest through Fred Hutch and UW Medicine, Dr. Issaka is actively implementing strategies to dismantle these barriers. Her innovative approach includes the successful distribution of at-home testing kits, a program that has helped raise screening rates in Fred Hutch’s health system from 62% to 73%, she said.

To continue increasing awareness, Fred Hutch is hosting a community education event on Saturday, March 7th, 2026, at the Matt Griffin YMCA in SeaTac. This free, family-friendly event will feature a lifesize inflatable colon, physicians available for booking appointments, health insurance assistance, free food, and music.

Dr. Issaka’s call to action is clear: "Let's just start normalizing these conversations very early on so we can all take better care of ourselves and our families.”

Register for the event today at bit.ly/4qV2MXu. Registration is not required.

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Artist Yolanda Galery recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss her journey as a full-time creative and the upcoming fourth annual Black Makers & Creatives event. As a featured artist, Galery shared that celebration of culture and community is scheduled for Sunday, March 1st at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton.

Galery's path to art began as a form of stress relief during the challenges of 2020. Her work primarily focuses on the beauty of Black women and natural hair, though she is currently exploring more personal narratives that put her own vulnerability on full display, notably drawing inspiration from the shared vulnerability between music and visual art.

The upcoming Black Makers & Creatives event is designed as an all-ages marketplace and celebration of Black artistry and entrepreneurship. This year’s theme, "I Choose You," serves as a "love letter to Black music, stories, and experience,” Galery said. Attendees can expect an array of offerings, including six Black fashion designers, various musical performers, a ballroom space featuring Black artists, artisans, and makers, as well as activities and food suitable for all ages.

The Black Makers & Creatives event will take place Sunday, March 1st from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton, 1053 Lake Washington Blvd N. Get your tickets today at bit.ly/BlackMakers‍ ‍

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Host Trae Holiday recently welcomed Thamu Dube, the Head of Design at Yoodli, to “The Day With Trae” to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and human communication. Yoodli, a Seattle-based startup, is utilizing AI to help people become more effective speakers through objective, data-driven feedback. 

Dube’s path to the company, spanning continents and a professional background in advertising and digital media, was driven by his connection to Yoodli's mission as an immigrant-built company that personally understands the challenges of communication. He explained that the company’s intent is to empower human beings, not replace them.

According to Dube, Yoodli functions as a non-biased practice partner, distinguishing itself by identifying communication "blind spots" that a human partner might miss or hesitate to mention. This objective analysis is key to helping users practice for interviews and presentations with targeted guidance on the specific skills they need to build. A core tenet of Dube’s design philosophy is "delight," ensuring the AI’s communication style feels human rather than robotic.

To learn more about Yoodli or start a free trial, visit yoodli.ai 

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Opera singer Amber Monroe recently sat down with host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to share her journey to the Seattle Opera stage playing Mary Johnson in the upcoming production of “Fellow Travelers,” debuting this Saturday, Feb. 21st. Monroe candidly discussed representation in opera, wrestling with imposter syndrome, and what it took for her to pursue the demanding art form professionally. 

Monroe spoke to the deep personal investment required of an opera singer, acknowledging artists’ vulnerability to put their authentic selves on display to be critiqued. She connected her presence on stage to a larger legacy of representation, paying homage to icons like Jessye Norman, Leontyne Price, and Kathleen Battle for "paving paths" for underrepresented artists. 

She described “Fellow Travelers” as “intimate” and “emotionally unforgettable,” praising the Seattle Opera’s dedication to telling important stories and its commitment to inclusive casting. Monroe believes her work with the company is vital to society, stating, “The stories that we tell or that we silence shape this future.”

“Fellow Travelers” runs from Saturday, Feb. 21st through Sunday, March 1st, 2026, at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St, Seattle. Get your tickets today at seattleopera.org

For over a decade, the Reign of Style Hair Show & Competition, produced by seasoned stylist and business owner Aisha Ellis Asim, has served as a primary platform for showcasing the brilliance of the local beauty industry. Ellis Asim recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss the upcoming event, scheduled for March 1st at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. 

Ellis Asim said that attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of key features, including live "Watch Me Work" competitions that challenge stylists to complete looks under pressure, as well as showcases from students of local beauty schools. With Holiday set to host Reign of Style 2026, the event will also prioritize education with classes, including micro maintenance taught by local expert SRB Millie. The day will culminate in high-energy main stage performances featuring themed runway shows, curated music, and opulent displays of hair artistry.

According to Ellis Asim, the exhibition hall will host a variety of local vendors, including Platinum Plush, QueenCare, and Zara Jo Beauty Supply. By spotlighting Washington's talent, Reign of Style provides an opportunity for local artists to showcase their brilliance, reinforcing its mission to uplift and inspire the Pacific Northwest beauty industry.

The 12th Annual Reign of Style Hair Show & Competition is happening Sunday, March 1st from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 301 Mercer St, Seattle. Get your tickets at reignofstyle.com/event/ 

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

On the season premiere of “The Day With Trae,” host Trae Holiday welcomed Debrena Jackson Gandy, co-founder and co-producer of an upcoming eight-week Black business cohort designed to address gaps in small business management. Born from Jackson Gandy’s extensive experience and observation of approximately 600 applications for small Black business initiatives, the program aims to help established entrepreneurs scale their operations by moving beyond a "startup" focus and a limiting "hustle mentality."

The comprehensive eight-week program provides practical training across several key areas. Jackson Gandy explained that instruction focuses on implementing formal business structures, developing four-part strategic business plans, and enhancing financial literacy, including mastery of profit and loss statements. Partial scholarships are available for eligible businesses. 

The cohort features a curated lineup of expert mentorship from successful Black business owners, including Lewis Rudd, co-founder of Ezell’s Famous Chicken. By providing the necessary network and tools, the program aims to ensure these businesses achieve sustainability and no longer rely solely on the efforts of a single individual. 

The Eight-Week National Black Business Cohort launches on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 with partial scholarships available for eligible businesses. To apply or register, visit businessupgradesystem.com

With the 50th-anniversary production of “The Wiz” running at the Paramount Theatre through Sunday, February 15, “The Day With Trae” host Trae Holiday recently sat down with veteran performer Alan Mingo, who plays the show’s titular role.

For Mingo, touring the country as the Wiz is the ultimate full-circle moment. He cited the production as the show that solidified his pursuit of theatre at an early age, expressing the immense personal significance of his role. "I will be the Wiz for that next generation and it means so much because the show meant so much to me," he said.

Beyond the spectacle, Mingo emphasized the production's cultural necessity in the current social landscape. He characterized the show as a form of Afrofuturism and a celebration of Black joy and escapism, observing that entertainment for underrepresented communities often focuses on historical trauma. “We’re giving it to you from the Black perspective unapologetically,” he said.

This anniversary production is a refined version of the original 1974 Broadway show and the 1978 film, carefully blending elements from both while introducing new creative choices. The team, under the expertise of Director Schele Williams, experimented with creative passageways to keep the production fresh and resonant for modern audiences.

Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays starting February 16 at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

On the final episode of “The Day with Trae” for the 2025 season, Converge founder Omari Salisbury joined his dear friend and host of the show Trae Holiday to discuss the show’s achievements and future ventures. Holiday opened the show by acknowledging the significant growth and the phenomenal job done by the audience in supporting “The Day With Trae,” emphasizing the importance of community media. Salisbury reflected on the show's commitment to community upliftment, providing an authentic space for compelling stories and holding up a mirror to the community's brilliance.

Salisbury, also known as Big O, shared personal updates, including recovering from hip surgery after experiencing years of excruciating pain that made walking difficult. Now post-operation, Salisbury is launching a new show in 2026 called “The Big O Show,” which will focus on fast-moving news headlines, interviews, and produced stories. Salisbury explained that a major part of the new show's mission will be to ramp up coverage of the state legislature and city hall, ensuring that the community has the vital news and information to make informed decisions.

Throughout the discussion, Salisbury celebrated Holiday, calling her "the people's champ" and "a marathon woman" for her commitment and ability to create a welcoming space that uplifts underdogs who need their voices heard. Holiday, in turn, praised Salisbury’s leadership and commitment, recalling his unbridled dedication to Converge Media. Holiday closed the season by thanking the audience, guests, partners, and the Converge team, and encouraging viewers to engage in self-reflective work as the year comes to a close.

Stay tuned for more updates on Trae Holiday’s return in 2026!

#TheDayWithTrae - Today on “The Day With Trae,” host Trae Holiday welcomed Justin Pinder, the co-founder and executive director of How2Listen, a nonprofit created to support independent artists in the Pacific Northwest through grants, connections, and meaningful opportunities.

A Seattle native, Pinder detailed his journey from starting as an artist with local legends like Sportn’ Life Records and Vitamin D to working in the industry in Los Angeles. His ultimate goal, however, was always to go to LA, learn, and bring that knowledge back to the Pacific Northwest, believing in the region’s “untapped potential."

Pinder’s nonprofit, How2Listen, launched in June to address the unique challenges faced by artists in the Pacific Northwest. The founder noted that while the music industry is making the most money it's ever made, many independent artists are making the least. The organization’s innovative nonprofit model directly tackles this disparity by creating a system designed to funnel resources directly to creators. 

The organization is actively building an ecosystem by partnering with local businesses, like Communion, Jerk Shack, and Métier Brewing, to offer tangible support. Those looking to support the effort can visit how2listen.org.

#TheDayWithTrae - Trae Holiday, host of “The Day With Trae,” welcomed Crystal Hairston, the founding director of Lifted! Youth Gospel Choir to the Black Media Matters Studio. She explained that Lifted! is a nonprofit offering music education to young people in the community to remove all the barriers for kids to come together, have a place of belonging, and enjoy gospel music.

Born in 2020 during the pandemic, Hairston recalled that the choir began with seven brave souls who sang six feet apart with masks on. The choir has since grown tremendously, now in its fifth year with 65 families, and performing at various community gatherings, including MLK Day events, at the Highline Heritage Museum, and the Seattle Opera. 

The director explained that a key choice was to create a community choir rather than a performance choir, emphasizing the importance of building deep wells of connection and belonging. Hairston expressed her strong belief in creating an environment where a child knows that they are worthy of love, that they belong, and that someone around them believes in their gifts and is willing to nurture them. 

Hairston invited the community to their annual Christmas concert, Holy One, on Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 109 SW Normandy Rd, Normandy Park. For tickets and more information, visit liftedcommunity.org or the choir’s social media.

Catch The Day With Trae weekdays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

#TheDayWithTrae - Kicking off the final week of “The Day With Trae” in 2025, host Trae Holiday welcomed Lyndsey Williams of Kyla Care Therapy. Williams, a licensed clinical social worker, discussed her specialization in reproductive mental health, which covers everything from periods to perimenopause for women. 

After three years of Kyla Care Therapy, Williams laid out the top priorities she addresses with her clients. Noting that a lack of information often leads people to incorrectly associate reproductive mental health solely with pregnancy, she highlighted that common client concerns include mood difficulties and building self-awareness about how the body's phases affect mood and emotions. Williams recommends "mood tracking" alongside menstrual cycle tracking as a way for clients to bring their self-awareness to the therapeutic process. 

Williams explained the signs of reproductive mental health issues, suggesting differentiation based on whether a reproductive health condition is the direct cause of a mental health change. She also emphasized Kyla Care Therapy's three components: individual therapy (short-term and long-term), digital wellness tools like workbooks, and provider training to help doctors validate mental health concerns in this space. 

Learn more about Kyla Care Therapy and the organization’s resources at kylacaretherapy.com. 

Catch The Day With Trae weekdays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

NaKeesa Frazier-Jennings, author of the book “100 Days of Gentle Accountability for Black Women,” joined guest host of The Day with Trae, Omari Salisbury to discuss her new book and the vital importance of intentional self-care for Black women. As a self-proclaimed advocate, Frazier-Jennings believes her seven books, including the latest release, serve as resources to encourage others to prioritize their well-being. 

The author revealed the intentionality behind the book's design, which blends powerful portrait photography with daily writing prompts. The visual elements, she explained, are meant to show that Black women of all types, identities, skin tones, hair types, and abilities deserve and can access self-care. She specifically chose not to show images of Black women as caregivers or workers, reinforcing the book's focus on women taking time for themselves. 

Frazier-Jennings also shared personal anecdotes about how her own family, notably her mother and father, supported her self-care journey, inspiring her to encourage everyone to take part in supporting Black women's peace and well-being. Her hope for readers is that the book will serve as a tool for intentional self-reflection, leading them to carry forward practices that protect their hearts, space, time, and access to themselves. 

“100 Days of Gentle Accountability for Black Women” is available on nakeesamarie.com, Amazon, and on the author's TikTok shop.

Catch The Day With Trae weekdays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

This week on The Day With Trae, Indigenous rights lawyer Gabe Galanda joined guest host Omari Salisbury to discuss Galanda's history with Converge Media, Native tribal disenrollments, and other pressing issues facing the Native American community. 

Galanda explained that disenrollment is the elimination of an Indigenous person's citizenship in their tribal nation. He stated that it was originally invented by the U.S. government in the late 1800s but has been used over the last 30 years primarily to get rid of Indigenous people in order to concentrate gaming wealth and power. Galanda discussed the eviction of Nooksack families, noting that they lost their homes despite the United Nations intervening. 

Alongside disenrollment, Galanda pointed to budget cuts to the Indian Health Service and the negative impact of the SNAP benefit shutdown. He added that the vast majority of Indian country exists at poverty levels, a statistic that he believes is not talked about enough. Salisbury shouted out Converge’s Emmy-nominated film, Nooksack 306, a short documentary about the eviction and exile of over 300 Nooksack tribal members.

Learn more about Gabe Galanda, his legal work, and his organization Huy at huycares.org, and follow Galanda Broadman on Instagram and Facebook. 

Catch The Day With Trae weekdays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

#TheDayWithTrae - Dr. Jason Clark, Executive Director of Northwest Credible Messenger, joined guest host Omari Salisbury on The Day With Trae to discuss the organization's unique approach to community building and behavioral health. Dr. Clark explained that Northwest Credible Messenger focuses on healing the local Black and brown communities and relieving them of negative generational cycles.

Dr. Clark talked about the Credible Messenger’s Barber and Beauty Shop Behavioral Health Project, which trains barbers and beauticians to become certified peer counselors. Dr. Clark noted that this program addresses the stigma of mental health and wellness in Black and brown communities by meeting people where they are comfortable. He explained that by offering training and tools, the professionals are equipped to share resources and expertise with those in need. 

With a sense of pride, Dr. Clark emphasized that the organization’s success is built on the philosophy that "relationships produce results." This manifests not only in connecting community members to vital resources but also in building strategic relationships with systems, citing a new behavioral health project in juvenile institutions. The organization works to overcome the significant barriers holding Black and brown people back by embodying the mantra: "There's power in presence."

Learn more about Dr. Clark and his mission at Northwest Credible Messengers at northwestcrediblemessenger.org. Check out their podcast, “Credible Conversations,” and follow Northwest Credible Messenger on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Catch The Day With Trae weekdays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

#TheDayWithTrae - Guest host Omari Salisbury welcomed Elizah Lourdes Rendorio, a Converge intern and University of Washington senior studying journalism and business administration. Rendorio shared major stories from her three-month internship, notably an article about the beloved restaurant Island Soul in Seattle's Columbia City neighborhood, which is facing severe financial challenges. 

Rendorio’s viral article detailed how owner Theo Martin is attempting to save the establishment from foreclosure due to rising rent costs and bank debt. She also discussed her follow-up article on the first King County Crime Survivor Summit, which included an interview with King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci.

Most recently, Rendorio interviewed Seattle City Council Member Debora Juarez. She described the experience as insightful, particularly regarding Juarez’s point of embracing one's origins in leadership positions. Finally, Rendorio discussed her work on Converge’s long-running Support Black Business Campaign, which uses storytelling to uplift Black-owned businesses. As her internship ends next month, Rendorio applauded Salisbury, noting how rewarding and beneficial her time at Converge has been. 

To follow Rendorio’s work, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Catch The Day With Trae weekdays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

#TheDayWithTrae - Pastor JB Proctor-Mills joined The Day With Trae with guest host Omari Salisbury to discuss his role as a Prevention and Intervention Specialist with Seattle Public Schools. His work involves conducting "check yourself surveys" in middle and high schools to assess students' social, emotional, and academic needs, allowing him to connect them with valuable resources. 

With a sense of gravity, Proctor-Mills shared the profound challenges facing today's youth, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, often worsened by cyberbullying and a lack of community support. Currently stationed at Garfield High School, he observed that many students are “suffering in silence," imploring parents to tap into the survey system themselves. 

Proctor-Mills also detailed how his pastoral and school-based work are connected, sharing that working with young people helps him become a better pastor. Working alongside the community’s struggling youth gives him insight into what people are experiencing, and how to connect them to necessary support through school or church, whether that is food, clothing, or mental health services.

#TDWT #WWConverge #SeattlePublicSchools #UpliftingYouth #GarfieldHighSchool

#TheDayWithTrae - Guest host of The Day With Trae Omari Salisbury welcomed author and multifaceted professional KD Hall to discuss her recently published book, “Sacred Pause.” Alongside her title as an author, KD is a filmmaker, publicist, crisis manager, and film commissioner. 

Hall detailed the personal and emotional process behind writing “Sacred Pause,” explaining that it was a mandatory step for navigating a period of deep depression and unresolved grief following her mother's passing. She shared that the book, which was written in 30 days, is an intensely honest and vulnerable account designed to turn her pain into purpose for others experiencing similar crises of the heart. Hall also discussed her ongoing efforts with the KD Hall Foundation and how she has recently trimmed its programming to laser-focus on film, journalism, and communications education for young people.

Salisbury and Hall underscored the profound impact of parental loss on their respective careers, both acknowledging how the passing of their father and mother, respectively, served as a catalyst for renewed professional focus and deeper commitment to storytelling. 

“Sacred Pause” is available on Amazon, but readers are encouraged to purchase it at kdhallfoundation.org, where 100% of the profit goes to the KD Hall foundation. Converge Media will host the official book launch on December 5th at 7:00 p.m.

#TDWT #WWConverge #KDHall #SacredPause #Grief

#TheDayWithTrae - This week on The Day With Trae, guest host Omari Salisbury welcomed Paul Sanders, a seasoned professional in videography, cinematography, editing, directing, and producing, as well as a regular producer on the TV show Back2Besa with Besa Gordon. In Salisbury’s words, Sanders is a rising star in the video production world, originally connecting with Converge Media through his work with Northwest Credible Messenger.

Sanders discussed his professional journey, beginning with photography through shooting events and creative shoots with a specialty in portraits. Sanders’ relationship with Converge Media and Back2Besa was a gateway for his work to feature on broadcast TV. He even guest-hosted Back2Besa on FOX SOUL earlier this year, shedding light on his immense importance and place in the Converge Media family and Seattle media.

To contact Sanders, follow him on Instagram @psphotographyandfilm, on LinkedIn, or via email at p.sanders@gravityproofmedia.com.

hashtag#TDWT hashtag#WWConverge hashtag#PaulSanders hashtag#NorthwestCredibleMessenger

State Workforce Manager at Transfr Jerry Jones joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae for a virtual interview to discuss the organization’s mission to help students and job seekers find pathways to meaningful, well-paying careers. Jones shared his journey from being an elementary school teacher and a school principal for decades to his current role at Transfr, iterating the organization’s mission of "upward mobility for all." 

Jones detailed Transfr's unique approach to career development, explaining that their mobility system includes career exploration and virtual reality simulations that give users a "day in the life" experience for over 140 professional pathways. Jones added that Transfr also has a skill acquisition feature for foundational training and credentialing in various jobs, with virtual reality guiding the processes.

Addressing skepticism about new technologies, Jones emphasized that the virtual reality experience is neither intimidating nor difficult. The simulations are designed for immersive experiences rather than disorientation, allowing people to explore fields that might otherwise be inaccessible due to age or qualifications. He noted that Transfr uses economic data to focus on high-growth industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and construction, and they continuously create new simulations based on partner feedback. 

Learn more about Transfr at transfrinc.com, social media, and LinkedIn. 

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #Transfr #CareerDevelopment

#TheDayWithTrae - On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, ballet stager Shelley Washington joined host Trae Holiday to discuss her five-decade career and exciting work staging Twyla Tharp’s classic production In the Upper Room for the Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB). 

Washington explained that her job as a stager is to recreate the original choreography, music, costumes, and lighting, while also allowing the current generation of dancers to embody the steps with their own energy. She praised PNB Artistic Director Peter Boal for his commitment to representation, calling PNB one of the most diverse companies she has ever worked with.

Washington highlighted that In the Upper Room, a 40-year-old piece set to Philip Glass’s music, remains popular worldwide for its challenge and high energy, featuring a mix of dancers in tennis shoes and others in pointe shoes. She underscored the critical importance of art for providing a pause during difficult times and for supporting a thriving cultural ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest. 

In The Upper Room opens Friday, November 7, will close Sunday, November 16. Get your tickets at ​​pnb.org/season/in-the-upper-room. 

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #PacificNorthwestBallet #InTheUpperRoom

#TheDayWithTrae - Trae Holiday recently welcomed Brian J. Carter, the Executive Director of 4Culture, to The Day with Trae to discuss the organization's work in ensuring that arts and culture remain a community mainstay. Carter shared his personal background, attributing his career, including his work with the Northwest African-American Museum and the Oregon Historical Society, to his curiosity and drive to serve the flourishing cultural ecosystem around him.

As a granting agency funded by tax dollars, 4Culture supports a wide array of cultural organizations, individual artists, producers, historians, and heritage professionals throughout King County. Carter highlighted that the organization’s funding scope goes beyond the typical idea of arts funding limited to museums, galleries, and symphonies, partnering with approximately 900 organizations across King County who contribute to a thriving network committed to keeping arts independent and thriving. 

Carter detailed 4Culture's intentional efforts to cultivate a relational, rather than transactional, mindset around grants. Looking toward the future, he discussed the organization's revised mission that explicitly centers racial equity. He also emphasized the importance of collaborations and new models to achieve sustainability in the growing cultural nonprofit sector, and the necessity of arts and culture intersecting with other community priorities like climate change and housing challenges.

Learn more about Carter and 4Culture at 4culture.org.

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #KingCounty #4Culture #CulturalPreservation #SeattleArt

#TheDayWithTrae - Choreographers Amanda Morgan and Christopher D'Ariano from Pacific Northwest Ballet joined Trae Holiday on a recent episode of The Day With Trae. The two guests discussed their upcoming production Aftertime, an original work inspired by science fiction that showcases their collaborative creativity and expansive expertise in physical expression. 

The conversation with Morgan and D'Ariano delved into their unique partnership and their transitions from dancers to choreographers. The two creatives highlighted the challenge and excitement of crafting a narrative through movement without words, aiming for an audience interpretation that reflects past, present, and future times through the dynamics between protagonists and the ensemble.

Morgan and D'Ariano stressed the urgency of innovating the art form of ballet to keep it relevant as a classical style of dance. They expressed pride in Aftertime and the team behind the production, and invited audiences to experience the boundary-pushing production for themselves. 

Aftertime will be performed at McCaw Hall starting Friday, November 7. Get your tickets at pnb.org/repertory/aftertime/ 

Catch The Day With Trae weekdays at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media Streaming Platforms.

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #PacificNorthwestBallet #AftertimePNB