Opera singer Jennifer Johnson Cano recently sat down on The Day With Trae with guest host Deaunte Damper to discuss Seattle Opera’s production of Salome, running now through October 31 at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall. Portraying the intensely dramatic role of Herodias, Cano shared insights into how the opera's sublime music, striking costumes, and dynamic cast bring this spooky-season favorite to life on stage.

Reflecting on her artistic journey, Cano recalled her initial plans to become a high school choir director in Missouri before formal voice lessons set her on a path to the grand stage. Offering advice to emerging performers, she stressed the importance of staying true to oneself, honing one's craft, and preserving personal autonomy while pursuing a career in the arts.

Salome is running at McCaw Hall now through Saturday, October 31. Seattle Opera is hosting a special "Pay What You Wish" night for Salome on Friday, October 23. Get your tickets today at seattleopera.org

Artist and founder of the Black & Brown Beauty Collective Angelica Marie recently appeared on The Day With Trae with guest host Deaunte Damper where she opened up about her creative evolution and upcoming Of Sand and Sea fashion show. 

Reflecting on her path from childhood imagination to modeling, singing, acting, and photography, Marie emphasized the importance of the creative pivot. Rather than being confined to a single discipline, she embraces transition as a way to remain true to her artistic journey and capture moments of joy, which ultimately led her into fashion show production.

Her latest venture, Of Sand and Sea, is a high-fashion and wellness collaboration with designer Jessica Daix set at Seattle's Golden Gardens Bathhouse. The showcase is built around the often-neglected values of rest, play, and community connection along the waterfront. By bringing together local makeup artists, lighting technicians, and vendors, Angelica highlights the necessity of leaning on one's community to curate intentional spaces where attendees can pause, recharge, and engage with local art.

The Of Sand and Sea fashion show will take place this Sunday, October 11th at the Golden Gardens Bathhouse from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets and additional event information are available at of-sand-and-sea.com.

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On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, guest host Deaunte Damper sat down with Shahron Chaudhry, co-founder of Saanj Winery, to discuss the brand’s origins, philosophy, and upcoming Seattle expansion.

Inspired by a first date twelve years ago in Woodinville, Washington, Chaudhry and his now-wife and co-founder, Kye Freeman-Chaudhry, sought to create a winery rooted in community, representation, and culture. Named after a Punjabi word meaning the uplifting of a community toward a common goal, Saanj Winery uses wine as a medium to share their heritage and connect people.

From its humble beginnings hosting monthly pop-ups, Saanj Winery has expanded into 40 retail locations by prioritizing intentional, communal growth. The brand offers a unique guest experience by integrating curated music playlists featuring emerging artists across R&B, hip-hop, rap, and Punjabi genres.

Saanj Winery is hosting its Social House Grand Opening: Wine, Vibes, & Community on Saturday, October 17th from 4 to 8 p.m. at 140 4th Ave N, Suite E 180, Seattle. Get your tickets today on Eventbrite.

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Alex Minami, Co-Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Seattle Opera, recently joined The Day With Trae with guest host Alicia Crank to discuss how the organization is utilizing community partnerships to serve and celebrate underrepresented groups.

Minami explained that his work centers on co-creating meaningful programming alongside local advocates. Past collaborative initiatives include an Afghan Culture Showcase with the Refugee Artisan Initiative, an annual Black Artist Market celebrating Malcolm X's legacy, and a dedicated Furry Night at the Opera.

Looking ahead to the mainstage season, the Seattle Opera is planning several culturally aligned community events around its upcoming productions, including film screenings, self-portrait workshops, and cultural heritage nights.

Minami also highlighted the free, family-friendly Seattle Opera Center Open House on September 26th as an accessible entry point for the public to connect with the opera's work and facilities.

To learn more about community events, standard classes, or mainstage tickets, visit the official website at seattleopera.org.

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Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Eugenie Jones recently joined guest host Alicia Crank on The Day With Trae to discuss her musical career and the upcoming Jackson Street Jazz Festival happening this Saturday, September 12. Since debuting professionally in the Seattle area in 2011, Jones has released 32 original songs across six albums, with her latest self-titled project reaching number four on the Jazz Week top 50 chart. 

In addition to her own music, Jones has spent nine years directing the Jackson Street Jazz Festival, which will celebrate its 13th annual event this weekend. Under her guidance, the festival has grown from a neighborhood jazz walk into a multi-stage event across Seattle's Jackson corridor, scheduling 20 bands across 12 community stages from 4:30 PM to 10:30 PM. 

The musical celebrations continue on Sunday, September 13th, with a ticketed satellite tribute at the Fountain Head Gallery in Queen Anne honoring the late master pianist Overton Berry’s 90th year, featuring his original rhythm section and contemporary musician Randy Halberstadt. Jones emphasized that these live gatherings are essential for representing and celebrating the legacy of African-American music in Seattle, which might otherwise be forgotten. 

Get your tickets and learn more about the Jackson Street Jazz Festival happening this Saturday, September 12th at jacksonstreetjazz.org 

Learn more about Eugenie Jones at eugeniejones.com

Seattle artist, lyricist, and performer Teia Burton-Green recently appeared on The Day With Trae with guest host Alicia Crank to discuss her roots in the city's music scene, her community mentorship, and her upcoming Women on the Waterfront event.

Burton-Green pitched the event to Friends of Waterfront Park to uplift female talent in a historically male-dominated local landscape. Happening this Thursday, September 10th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Salish Steps in Seattle, the showcase will feature a soulful mix of hip-hop, R&B, and soul.

Burton-Green’s artistic journey is rooted in Seattle’s creative culture, having grown up on 33rd and Union and graduated from Garfield High School. As the sole female performer in the crew Tribal Music Inc., she holds the distinction of being the first voice heard on their iconic album Do the Math.

Burton-Green's upcoming schedule is stacked, with projects including a poetry book, an upcoming solo performance, and a featured verse on an album by Abyssinian Creole. She is also set to perform a multi-genre set at the annual Dead End Block Party this Saturday, September 12th, from 12:30 to 11 p.m. at 4518 S Ferdinand St in Seattle.

With multiple events and creative projects on the horizon, Burton-Green described herself as "booked and blessed" as she continues to make her mark on the city.

Women on the Waterfront is happening this Thursday, September 10th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Salish Steps in Seattle. Get your tickets at waterfrontparkseattle.org/events/

Dead End Block Party is happening this Saturday, September 12th from 12:30 to 11 p.m. at 4518 S Ferdinand St, Seattle. Learn more on Facebook.

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The Wizarding World has officially graced the Emerald City. On a special episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with cast members Nadia Brown and Rachel Leslie from the touring production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, currently playing at Seattle's Paramount Theatre. 

Nadia Brown, who plays Rose Granger-Weasley, opened up about starting as a shy child in New Jersey and the resilience needed to navigate the acting industry's dry spells. Rachel Leslie, portraying Hermione Granger, spoke about discovering her love for imagination and world-building before taking on this highly demanding role.

Leslie also discussed the incredible behind-the-scenes coordination that keeps the production running seamlessly, comparing the backstage crew and ensemble to a "swan on a pond" gliding smoothly while paddling intensely underneath. Trust—you won’t want to miss the magic. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child runs at the Paramount Theatre through Saturday, September 12th. Get your tickets on the Seattle Theatre Group website today. 

Make sure you keep up with Nadia and Rachel on Instagram. 

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Prolific writer and poet Rajnii Eddins recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae in the Black Media Matters studio to discuss the power of Black creativity and narrative ownership.

During the conversation, Eddins reflected on the 35-year history of the African-American Writers Alliance (AAWA) and its mission to provide an empowering, self-validated space for Black storytellers to counter systemic exclusion. In a climate where efforts to suppress underrepresented narratives are increasing, Eddins and Holiday discussed the importance of preserving these creative spaces. Eddins emphasized that unity, literacy, and active engagement with legacy-based organizations are essential for persevering through challenges.

Eddins highlighted the upcoming n-Word Conference, scheduled for October 16th through the 18th at Mount Zion to celebrate the AAWA's 35th anniversary. The event is designed as a space for the Black, Indigenous, and global majority to connect and reflect on their collective brilliance.

Learn more about the African American Writer’s Alliance at aawa-seattle.org and get your tickets to the upcoming n-Word Conference on Eventbrite.

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Seattle’s multi-hyphenate artist, activist, and King Youngblood frontman Cameron Lavi-Jones recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss the upcoming fifth annual Black and Loud Fest, happening this weekend.

Driven by a lifelong mission to reclaim rock and roll for Black and brown artists, Lavi-Jones co-founded Black and Loud Fest to provide the representation he wished he had growing up. He explained to Holiday that the festival serves a dual purpose in the Pacific Northwest: educating non-Black audiences on the vast spectrum of Black music beyond hip-hop and R&B, while also empowering the Black community to freely explore and enjoy alternative genres without being confined by stereotypes.

This weekend, the expanding festival will take over multiple venues to showcase an incredible lineup of alternative talent. On Saturday, August 29th, the Seattle portion of the event will span Neumos, Barboza, and The Runaway, featuring a main stage lineup that includes Iniko, Peter Collins, and King Youngblood. The festival will also introduce its first all-Black-fem DJ stage at The Runaway before heading to Portland's The Den on Sunday, August 30th.

Tickets for this celebration of Black alternative music are available online at blackandloudfest.com.

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J. Rycheal Lester-Peters, the interim marketing director for LANGSTON, is currently leading efforts to amplify the cultural institution's role within Seattle's Central District. On a recent episode of The Day With Trae with host Trae Holiday, Lester-Peters discussed the upcoming Seattle Black Nerd Festival, happening August 28th through 30th. 

The Seattle Black Nerd Festival is designed to create an intentional portal for Black joy, creativity, and connection, featuring a stacked lineup ranging from musical performances and film screenings with filmmaker Boots Riley to panels on Afrofuturism, sound healing, and spirituality. By celebrating the limitless ways one can be a "nerd," the festival serves as a judgment-free environment dedicated to expanding the scope of the Black imagination and community engagement.

Free RSVPs and remaining tickets can be secured by visiting langstonseattle.org/sbnf 

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Isiah Anderson Jr., the long-standing director of the Teen Summer Musical at Acts On Stage, recently appeared on The Day With Trae to discuss the upcoming production of Peter Pan: Ready to Rise.

The production of Peter Pan: Ready to Rise reflects the program’s rigorous approach to artistic development, which demands a professional work ethic from its participants. Anderson emphasized his "student-teacher" philosophy, which encourages youth to learn from professionals before taking the stage to teach their audience.

This year's adaptation of the classic tale is a deliberate response to the realities of 2026, reimagining the lore of Neverland to mirror modern systemic obstacles facing Black and brown youth. By transforming the narrative into a journey of global Black identity and self-discovery, Anderson and his creative team aim to inspire resilience.

The community is encouraged to support these efforts by attending the performances at McCaw Hall from August 28th through August 30th. Get your tickets today at actsonstage.com

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Festival Sundiata is returning to the Seattle Center for its 46th annual celebration of Black culture, art, music, and community resilience. Executive Director Grady Austin recently sat down with Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to preview the upcoming festivities and reflect on the personal and historical roots that make this event a cherished local tradition.

This year's two-day festival features an exciting lineup, including performances across two stages, food from Black-owned vendors, and free admission to the Seattle Children's Museum. Attendees can look forward to headlining performances by local artist Draze on Saturday night and legendary funk icons Morris Day and The Time closing out the weekend on Sunday.

Rooted in Black love and collective community support, Festival Sundiata offers a welcoming, family-reunion atmosphere for all who attend. The festival takes place on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Seattle Center. 

For complete schedule details and volunteer opportunities, visit festivalsundiata.org.

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Chef Trammell Antrinette recently appeared on The Day With Trae with host Trae Holiday to discuss her culinary passion and reservation-only dining experience known as Quarters “In Da Cut.” 

Hosted within the privacy of her own home, the exclusive venture welcomes just eight guests at a time for a meticulously curated five-to-seven-course meal. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s kitchen traditions in the Midwest and the hidden food culture of Louisiana, the chef has designed a space that prioritizes deep human connection over the rush of a traditional restaurant environment.

Transitioning from a career in law enforcement, Chef Trammell now uses her kitchen as a stage for fostering vulnerability and meaningful conversation. She deliberately pairs each culinary course with a thematic concept, such as using the resting period of a steak to explore metaphors of rest within personal relationships. This atmosphere has created a safe haven for guests to share personal stories, moving beyond standard fine dining to offer a transformative experience that nourishes the soul.

Learn more about Quarters “In Da Cut” on quartersindacut.com 

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Tech entrepreneur Sohale Sizar recently appeared on The Day With Trae with host Trae Holiday to discuss his new digital platform, Soul. In an era where data and science often overshadow spiritual practice, Sizar highlighted a growing "silent majority" of Americans who are actively seeking connection and spiritual nourishment across diverse traditions. Soul serves as an all-in-one ecosystem designed to bridge this divide.

The platform was developed to address what Sizar identified as three fractured pillars of the $2 trillion wellness market: financial, infrastructural, and cultural. Many wellness leaders, such as yoga instructors and pastors, often struggle to manage their work while juggling disconnected, expensive software tools, leading to high rates of burnout. Soul aims to solve these logistical hurdles by providing a comprehensive backend infrastructure that manages everything from course scheduling to financial payments at a fraction of standard costs.

Learn more about Soul at www.bringsoul.life 

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Holistic health practitioner and IT expert Heru TchaasAmen recently appeared on The Day With Trae to address the modern crisis of stress and isolation. Challenging the tendency to manage anxiety in seclusion, TchaasAmen emphasized that true healing occurs within a community. 

TchaasAmen integrates ancient wisdom with his expertise in information technology to provide a holistic approach to personal and professional development. His teachings focus on "pattern breaking," a conscious effort to identify and rewrite generational behaviors passed down through family history. Furthermore, he promotes ethical, self-contained AI models to support local businesses, ensuring that technology serves to free up time for human well-being rather than inheriting systemic biases or placing demands on natural resources.

To further support his mission, TchaasAmen has consolidated his resources, including courses and stress-reduction modules, into a centralized platform at heruheals.com. 

He is also partnering with the WOW Gallery to host a curated outdoor group chi healing experience at Seward Park on the evening of August 6th. This public event invites the community to come together, breathe, and commit to a shared journey of self-love.

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Jenefeness Franke, an educator and the founder of Fiscal Finesse Consulting, recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss the importance of breaking down economic barriers for local entrepreneurs. 

As the master of ceremonies and a featured presenter for the upcoming Fifth Annual Black Business Leadership Conference, Franke is championing the need for long-term business sustainability. Organized by the Rudd’s R.U.B.B. Initiative, the event will provide attendees with a strategic blueprint to evaluate their business trajectory and plan for long-term success. 

To further address the gap between acquiring capital and operational success, Franke has partnered with Zenovia Harris of the NAACP Washington State Conference to launch a new three-week pilot curriculum. This program aims to ensure 30 established small businesses become "access ready" by strengthening their internal infrastructure, such as handling tax debt and payroll compliance, rather than focusing solely on securing funding. 

Follow Fiscal Finesse via social media to learn more about the three-week curriculum. 

The Fifth Annual Black Business Leadership Conference is happening Saturday, August 15th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of Washington South Hub. Tickets can be found at ruddsrubb.org.

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Seattle artist, music minister, and entrepreneur Sheila Kay Blackwell recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss her upcoming album, Dancing Naked. This release is a raw sonic archive of Blackwell's personal journey and highlights her commitment to vulnerability as a transformative power. She continues to blend her creative career with the mission-driven goals of her company, Inspirational Productions.

For Blackwell, the creative process is deeply personal, stemming from a spiritual and identity shift as she navigated the challenges of life, aging, and past traumas. Embracing the mantra "turn your pain into art," she uses her music as a conduit for emotional processing and community healing. Tracks like "So Alone" reflect her belief that self-examination and acknowledging one's sadness are essential steps toward finding the other side of a difficult experience.

Fans can celebrate the launch of this project at the Dancing Naked album release party, taking place on August 8th at The Royal Room in Seattle from 8 PM to 11 PM. For more information on the release and future projects, visit inspirationalproductions.net.

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Najee Ladd-Ali, co-founder of the Daddy Stroller Social Club Seattle, recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to celebrate the organization's upcoming one-year anniversary. Joined on set by his young daughter, Ladd-Ali highlighted how the club has created a space for local fathers to find community and emotional support. 

Central to the club's impact is their signature concept of "striding,” a method of pairing physical movement, like walking through local parks or gyms, with guided, meaningful dialogue. Ladd-Ali explained that this approach helps members break through societal expectations that often pressure men to remain stoic and internalize their struggles. 

The community is invited to join the celebration of this successful first year on July 19th at 10 a.m. at Powell Barnett Park in Seattle's Central District. This family-centered event will feature community partners, resource distribution, and giveaways for local families. Whether attendees are fathers, grandparents, or neighbors, the milestone is an open celebration of the collective family unit. 

RSVP for the Daddy Stroller Social Club Seattle 1-Year Celebration on July 19th at 10 a.m. at Powell Barnett Park here. 

Those interested can learn more about the movement at daddystrollersocialclub.com.

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Host Trae Holiday recently sat down with Priyansha Bagaria, the CEO and co-founder of Seattle-based Loopr AI, on The Day With Trae. A fourth-generation entrepreneur with roots in a manufacturing family business, Bagaria discussed her journey from her upbringing in India to the creation of her innovative tech startup. By applying data science and computer vision to the factory floor, she aims to solve the persistent quality control challenges she witnessed firsthand throughout her career.

Bagaria highlighted how Loopr AI addresses the "high-mix, low-volume" crisis currently facing modern manufacturers. As production lines handle increasingly complex and custom orders, manual tracking has become error-prone and labor-intensive. Loopr AI serves as a "four-eye technology," providing an extra layer of digital inspection to prevent costly reworks and errors, while also helping to bridge the labor gap as seasoned manufacturing veterans begin to retire.

Since its founding in 2021, the company has expanded to a team of nearly 30 employees and recently earned the prestigious 2026 GeekWire Award for its contributions to the industry. Looking ahead, Bagaria remains committed to transparency, positioning the startup as a trusted, long-term partner for clients in manufacturing and aerospace. 

Those interested in learning more or connecting with the team can find further information at www.loopr.ai or through LinkedIn.

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On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with Dr. Nadia Guy, principal of Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle, and Katie Seltzer, Vice President of the school's Corporate Work Study program. Their conversation highlighted how the institution is transforming the educational landscape in the Pacific Northwest by offering a unique approach to high school success for students from limited economic backgrounds.

Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle distinguishes itself by pairing rigorous college preparatory academics with a pioneering Corporate Work Study (CWS) program. Students as young as 14 gain professional experience by working at top-tier firms, while also receiving essential training in professional "soft skills" through the school's mandatory Montserrat summer program. This model is designed to empower students, with the school boasting college graduation rates at two and a half times the rate of their peers.

The school’s mission is grounded in a "covenant promise" that sets a high bar for both students and families, prioritizing a clear path to and through college. By focusing on empowering students to shape their own futures rather than just saving them, Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle is setting a new standard for educational equity in King County. Interested families and partners can find more information by visiting the school’s website or reaching out to their admissions team.

Learn more about Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle at cristoreyseattle.org 

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On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, Dr. Dana Nickson, an assistant professor at the University of Washington College of Education, joined host Trae Holiday to discuss the intersection of academic theory and community organizing. Drawing from her childhood experiences in Sunnyside, Texas, Dr. Nickson explained how her grandparents’ legacy of community leadership shaped her understanding of education as a tool for collective care and place-making. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Nickson has worked to shift the educational narrative away from deficit-oriented perspectives, recognizing the inherent brilliance and dedication already present within marginalized families. Her research and practical efforts, including her work with the Early Literacy Collaborative, demonstrate how uplifting community knowledge can fundamentally transform how schools engage with Black students.

Now based in Seattle, Dr. Nickson continues to support the next generation of educators by teaching courses like Black Geographies of Educational Leadership. She described her role as an active partner to students and local advocates, working to navigate and challenge institutional systems while honoring the intergenerational wisdom that Black communities contribute to the field of education.

To connect with Dr. Dana Nickson or learn more about her research, you can visit her official faculty page on the University of Washington website or reach out via email at dnickson@uw.edu.

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Community organizer and cultural curator Prince Reece recently shared the journey behind the Skyway Nia Festival during an appearance on The Day With Trae with host Trae Holiday. The motivation to create the festival emerged during the 2020 social justice protests, prompting Reece to reflect on his own relationship with his hometown of Skyway, which he felt had been treated more like a shortcut than a destination.

Driven by a desire to "pay the fee" back to his community, Reece drew inspiration from the concepts of Nia (purpose) and Umoja (unity) to establish a recurring celebration that could bridge local identity with the broader Black diaspora. Launching the festival became a demanding three-year endeavor, frequently interrupted by personal loss, structural delays, and significant hardships involving key partners. Despite these immense setbacks, Reece persisted, leading a skeleton crew to pull together the successful inaugural 2023 launch.

The 2026 festival, scheduled for Saturday, August 8th at Skyway Park, promises a family-friendly atmosphere featuring a performance by R&B headliner J. Holiday, alongside food trucks, retail vendors, and a basketball tournament. Stay updated on the festival’s Facebook and Instagram pages. 

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In a recent episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed Jackie Vaughn, Executive Director of Surge Reproductive Justice, and Myesha Mitchell, owner of My Time for Massage. The discussion spotlighted their collaborative initiative, Black and Worthy of Wellness, which addresses the systemic challenges of medical racism and chronic stress through a powerful fusion of grassroots policy and intentional community care.

Vaughn emphasized the importance of community-directed advocacy, encouraging Black women to leverage their lived experiences to shape policy, rather than feeling constrained by legal language. Complementing this approach, Mitchell shared her journey of building a successful massage therapy practice from the ground up, which now operates on a pay-what-you-can structure to ensure that wellness services remain accessible to those who need them most.

Their partnership aims to combat "medical weathering"—the institutional phenomenon where chronic stress from racism leads to accelerated health decline in Black women—by repositioning massage as an essential preventative health measure. Applications for the program’s second cohort are opening soon, and Surge Reproductive Justice is currently seeking community volunteers to assist with voter registration efforts at upcoming festivals.

Learn more about Surge at surgereprojustice.org and My Time for Massage at mytimeformassage.com 

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On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed author, podcaster, and "intuitive creative" Cinnamon Jovon to the Black Media Matters studio. Their conversation focused on Jovon’s holistic approach to wellness and her expanding digital presence as she continues to advocate for community mental health.

Central to her wellness philosophy is her book, Drink Your Beauty, which offers approximately 115 juicing and smoothie recipes. Each recipe is paired with visuals and affirmations designed to foster self-love and intentionality, rooted in Jovon’s personal health journey of using a plant-based diet to successfully reverse type two diabetes.

Jovon also introduced her new solo podcast, CJ: Unfiltered, a platform dedicated to hosting honest conversations about complex and often taboo topics. The podcast's inaugural episode focuses on Black men's mental health, a deeply personal subject for Jovon that honors the memory of her late ex-husband while providing support for their four sons.

Follow Jovon's upcoming projects, read her blog, or purchase Drink Your Beauty by visiting her website, cinnamonjovon.com 

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In a world where leadership frequently leads to burnout, isolation, and decision fatigue, Dr. Tafona Ervin is working to change the narrative. During a recent episode of The Day With Trae, Dr. Ervin discussed how she and her husband, Brandon, utilize their Ervin Consulting Group to support high-capacity individuals. 

Founded in 2018, the Ervin Consulting Group was inspired by a personal desire to build a legacy while leveraging professional expertise to aid organizations and leaders navigating complex environments. Dr. Ervin emphasized that true leadership support requires looking at the "full self"—mentally, physically, and emotionally—rather than focusing solely on technical, structural aspects.

This philosophy of stepping back to move forward is embodied in "The Release Experience," an upcoming event designed to provide a reprieve for high-capacity individuals carrying unseen sacrifices. Taking place on July 24th and 25th at the Silver Cloud Hotel at Point Ruston, the event focuses on community building, intentional breath work, and resetting the nervous system in a safe space. 

Secure tickets at experiencetherelease.com, and learn more about Dr. Ervin’s executive coaching services at tafonaervin.com.

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Priyanka Kulkarni, CEO of Casium, recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss how she is reshaping the immigrant professional experience by integrating advanced AI with essential human expertise. Drawing on a decade of leadership at Microsoft, Kulkarni founded Casium to address the systemic challenges she personally encountered during her own ten-year journey through the U.S. immigration system. 

Recognizing that many innovators struggle to find clear guidance or personalized support, she launched her platform to provide the transparency and education that immigrant professionals need to successfully navigate their options. Kulkarni argues that immigration is a deeply personal, high-stakes experience that is too often reduced to mere administrative paperwork. She points out that the uniqueness of each individual's path makes it difficult for attorneys to provide the necessary attention at scale. 

By leveraging AI technology, Casium bridges this gap, offering immigration attorneys detailed context in minutes. This innovation allows legal professionals to focus on high-level strategy rather than getting bogged down in complex communications between HR departments and law firms. Ultimately, Kulkarni’s work aims to make the immigration process more human-centric, ensuring that every candidate is seen and supported. 

Learn more about Casium at casium.com 

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Ida Keeley, a candidate for State Representative in Washington’s 39th Legislative District, recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to share her vision for government service rooted in lived experience. 

Growing up across Washington, from Beacon Hill to the Central District, Keeley navigated foster care and the juvenile justice system firsthand. This background, coupled with her professional career as a social worker and juvenile court administrator, informs her determination to bring community-centered, informed leadership to Olympia, she said. 

During the interview, Keeley outlined several pillars of her platform, emphasizing a departure from top-down decision-making. She championed a nuanced approach to victim advocacy, arguing that the justice system must provide robust rehabilitation services for the incarcerated while simultaneously ensuring equal access to trauma-informed support for victims. 

Learn more about Ida’s campaign at IdaForWA.com.

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On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, transformational architect EL’ona Kearney joined host Trae Holiday to discuss her work through her company, Mindset Reset. Kearney shared her personal evolution, detailing a journey that began with childhood depression and led to her current mission of helping individuals, particularly the formerly incarcerated, reframe their perspectives to reclaim their lives.

During the conversation, Kearney reflected on the moments that shaped her philosophy, including a transformative experience in the military. Challenged by a First Sergeant to undergo a "mind transformation" rather than facing punitive measures for her struggles with authority, she learned to research and understand the history and purpose of rules. 

Today, Kearney leverages this expertise through Mindset Reset, where she teaches clients to dismantle obstacles by cultivating character, establishing healthy boundaries, and taking ownership of their results. Beyond corporate training, she and her husband actively demonstrate the power of these principles by converting their own home into a transition house for formerly incarcerated men. 

For more information on Kearney’s work, visit mindsetreset.co.

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Author and program coordinator Jeffrey Cheatham II recently joined The Day With Trae to announce "Literally Ours," a fresh literacy initiative launched under the organization Acts On Stage. Designed as a dedicated platform for Black and brown authors, the program seeks to develop, showcase, and amplify literary work, ensuring community members have the resources needed to tell their own stories from initial concept to final performance.

The inspiration for "Literally Ours" reflects a personal renewal for Cheatham. Following a period of burnout, a pivotal conversation with Michelle Lang-Raymond of Acts On Stage transformed the concept into a specialized literary arm within the theater organization. This initiative distinguishes itself by moving beyond traditional publishing to embrace "performative literature," encompassing everything from spoken word poetry to stage plays.

The program prioritizes a collaborative development process that keeps authors central to their creative voice and cultural language. Looking ahead, the initiative plans to host master classes for aspiring children’s book authors, complete with stipends for participants, further supporting the community's creative growth.

Learn more about “Literally Ours” and Acts on Stage at actsonstage.com 

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

Multifaceted artist Karlos Farrar recently sat down with host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to reflect on his creative journey, which has taken him from his roots in Detroit to his current home in the Pacific Northwest. A talented singer, songwriter, actor, and scriptwriter, Farrar shared the experiences that have shaped his artistic foundation and career path.

Raised in a household immersed in Motown, Michael Jackson, and Prince, Farrar discovered his voice early on, influenced by the music around him. He credited his father—his first manager—with instilling the discipline required for success, emphasizing the value of mastering his craft and recognizing the financial importance of songwriting over simple entertainment.

Farrar’s career has been defined by his willingness to take risks, spanning from an early acting stint in Los Angeles to a successful tour in China. Now a Seattle resident, he is enthusiastic about the city's booming energy and music scene. Currently, he is focusing on new music, with his latest single, "Hands on Your Knees," scheduled for release in July 2026.

Fans can follow Farrar's journey and stay updated on his upcoming releases across his social media platforms.

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