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

#TheDayWithTrae - This week on The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed Wesley Nicholson, owner of Two Maids of Kent to discuss his cleaning company which recently opened its new location in September 2025. Nicholson shared insights into Two Maids’ partnership with the organization Cleaning for a Reason where they provide free cleaning services to cancer patients.

Nicholson shared his entrepreneurial journey, inspired by his grandmother and uncles who owned businesses in Cleveland, Ohio. He explained that his decision to open a Two Maids franchise stemmed from a desire to control his future outside of corporate America and to give back to the community by providing a valuable service: the satisfaction of a clean home.

Nicholson emphasized the importance of the peace of mind his company offers, recalling personal experiences with unsatisfactory cleaning services that pushed him to create a trustworthy and reputable company himself. Two Maids of Kent prioritizes background checks, insurance, and a robust quality control system, including post-cleaning checks and direct customer feedback, to ensure high standards, Nicholson explained.

Two Maids of Kent Kent serve the South Seattle area, from the International District down to Tacoma. To book Two Maids of Kent, visit twomaidscleaning.com/kent/ and type “TRAE” in the booking confirmation for $20 off of your first five cleans. 

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

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #TwoMaidsInKent #PeaceOfMind #SupportBlackBusiness

#TheDayWithTrae - On today’s episode of The Day With Trae, Trae Holiday welcomed actor Franklin Johnson, who joined her to discuss his role in Detroit '67, a play produced by Acts on Stage. With his deep investment in the production on full display, Johnson talked about his path as an actor and his upcoming performances in November. 

Johnson shared his journey as an actor from a teenager to Acts on Stage as an adult. Now taking on a principal role in Detroit ‘67, Johnson plays the character Lank, an ambitious man with big dreams outside of the small underground club he runs with his sister. The play is set in the summer of Detroit in 1967 during the civil rights riots and strong movement toward social change.

After taking a few years off from acting during COVID, Detroit ‘67 marks Johnson’s return to the stage. He hopes the audience will feel a range of emotions from the play, and that it will invoke conversation and change. 

Detroit '67 runs from November 14 through the 23, with a special pay-what-you-can performance on November 17. Get your tickets to Detroit ‘67 at actsonstage.com 

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

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #ActsOnStage #Detroit67 #SeattleTheatre

#TheDayWithTrae - Trae Holiday host of The Day with Trae, welcomed housing social services coordinator Telitha Floyd to discuss methods in bringing resources directly to residents through Floyd’s role at the property management company PK Management. Floyd's goal is to help residents "stay in their forever home,” despite the walls that hold them back from utilizing the help they need.  

Floyd emphasized the importance of vetting resources and strategizing how to connect them with communities in need to ensure their effectiveness and decrease the trauma associated with searching for services. Floyd shared that she developed a catalog of reliable community resources, covering everything from childcare to taxes, aiming to provide equitable access for elderly and developmentally disabled residents who may lack family support or face personal barriers.

As a social services coordinator, Floyd orchestrates monthly activities, including potlucks, storytelling, fitness, and educational programs, to foster a sense of belonging among the residents she serves. Notably, she has partnered with the Seattle Public Library for monthly book and video exchanges and the West Seattle Food Bank, which delivers fresh produce and meat directly to residents every Friday. Floyd hopes to see her model of direct, compassionate resource provision duplicated in other housing complexes and communities.

For service providers interested in connecting with her work, Floyd can be reached at tfloyd@pkmanagement.com or by phone at (206) 644-8141.

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

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #PKManagement #SocialService

#TheDayWithTrae - Dr. Jacqualine Boles, Founder of Redeemed Wellness Center, joined The Day with Trae to discuss the center's mission and its recent soft grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Redeemed Wellness Center aims to offer preventive care and a holistic approach to health, ensuring that communities, particularly those in Seattle’s South End, have access to historically inaccessible resources.    

After observing increasing autism and communication disorders in the healthcare industry as a nurse, Dr. Boles looked to integrate her nursing background with education and address the systemic trauma affecting the community. A champion of taking action, she sought training in wellness therapy after recognizing that Western medicine primarily focuses on fixing existing problems rather than promoting sustained well-being. 

A significant aspect of Redeemed Wellness Center's approach is breaking down healthcare barriers for Medicaid recipients. The center's grand opening revealed overwhelming demand for services, prompting rapid expansion to include hydration therapy, weight-loss management, well-child exams, and women's health resources. The event underscored the urgent need for accessible behavioral health, wellness, and medical spa services in a single integrated location.

To book an appointment at Redeemed Wellness Center, call (206) 721-1188, or visit redeemedservices.org. Dr. Boles also encouraged anyone to visit either Tiny Tots Development Center locations to get connected to Redeemed Wellness. 

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

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #RedeemedWellnessCenter #HealthCareEquity

#TheDayWithTrae - Trae Holiday, host of "The Day with Trae," welcomed Jessica Hughes, a public services specialist for the King County Library System (KCLS), to highlight the innovative Makerspace at the Federal Way Public Library. Hughes, who has a lifelong passion for libraries, arts, and music, found her calling in public libraries after managing an art collection and curating community programs for two decades, eventually merging her interests managing the Makerspace.

Hughes described the Makerspace as a free community hub where individuals can "create, learn, and experiment with emerging technology and tools," offering access to 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, music production equipment, and a sound booth. This initiative aims to provide equitable access to futuristic technologies often inaccessible. KCLS also offers diverse programming, including Halloween costume design, spooky decoration workshops, and the annual Home Movie Day on October 25.

The Makerspace also hosts a "Branding Your Small Business" series, teaching entrepreneurs to utilize equipment for marketing materials like branded bags, mugs, stamps, and hats. This program, recently offered in Spanish and with an upcoming English cohort, empowers small business growth. Hughes demonstrated the creative potential by presenting Holiday with a custom-made “The Day With Trae” tote bag, rubber stamp, mug, and laser-cut earrings. 

Visit kcls.org/makerspaces to check out the Makerspaces’ upcoming events.

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #KCLS #Makerspace #BrandingYourSmallBusiness

#TheDayWithTrae - Reginald Smith Jr., a renowned classical vocalist, joined "The Day with Trae" to discuss his role as the Pirate King in the Seattle Opera's production of “The Pirates of Penzance.” Hailing from Atlanta, Smith recounted his early exposure to classical music and opera. A pivotal moment in his youth was seeing Black baritone Donnie Ray Albert perform in the opera “Tosco,” an mindblowing experience and one that solidified his path toward a career in opera.

Smith shared highlights from his extensive international career, which has seen him perform in numerous countries including Russia, Spain, and Australia, and for notable figures like President Obama. He has graced stages at major American opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera and Houston Grand Opera, and has a Grammy Award for his work on the Met Opera's recording of “Porgy and Bess.” 

Regarding “The Pirates of Penzance,” Smith expressed his enjoyment in performing a comedic role, a departure from his usual portrayals of bad guys, villains, and fathers. He highlighted the show's bright, happy, and funny nature. He encouraged audiences to attend the production, emphasizing the collective joy and laughter it offers, a much-needed experience in current times. 

Visit Follow Smith on Instagram @reggiesings, TikTok @reggiesingsopera, and Facebook for his singing and cooking content. 

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #SeattleOpera #ReggieSings #ThePiratesOfPenzance #Opera

#TheDayWithTrae - Trae Holiday welcomed TV Bobby, the visionary behind Lunar Park Shoes, to "The Day with Trae" to discuss his unique venture into the footwear industry. Bobby, a lifelong shoe enthusiast who custom-designed shoes as a child, was driven by a desire for greater representation. He noted that while other cultures received specific shoe designs from major brands, Black people did not get the same representation. This pattern motivated him to create Lunar Park, aiming to amplify these narratives through footwear.

Bobby detailed the significant challenges of entering the shoe industry, including high material costs and the substantial minimum order quantities required for original designs. He revealed that launching Lunar Park's first shoe, the Black History One, necessitated an investment of over $10,000, a hurdle that often excludes independent creators. Despite these financial barriers, he persevered, finding a manufacturer capable of meeting his high standards. 

Lunar Park is preparing for a limited-edition drop themed after the movie “Sinners,” inspired by Black horror cinema, with a pre-order period from October 20 to October 31. This release will feature an expanded size range (4.5 to 12) to accommodate more customers. All his designs exemplify Lunar Park's commitment to storytelling, with each shoe, "from the bottom to the top," narrating a distinct Black American experience. 

Follow @lunarparkus on social media and visit shoplunarpark.com to support the brand.

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #LunarPark #Sinners #BlackHistoryOne #TVBobby

#TheDayWithTrae - Today, Trae Holiday was joined by Heru TchaasAmen, a Yuan Ming instructor who updated us on his latest achievement in his mastery of Qigong, a traditional Chinese practice. TchaasAmen has spent years bringing healing practices to the community, guided by the mantra "to heal yourself or uplift yourself so that you can uplift others."

After five and a half years of study, TchaasAmen recently achieved full certification in Ren Xue, a life cultivation system of nine methods and six levels. This accomplishment underscores his commitment to self-healing and his mission to help others overcome discomfort and disease, enabling them to live as their "true self." His consistent dedication has been recognized within the community as an inspiring example of what focused effort can achieve.

Through his "Breathing Black Love" series, in collaboration with WOW Gallery, TchaasAmen guides participants in these integrated methods every Saturday. The program has yielded profound results, with attendees reporting significant life improvements, from healing relationships to reducing medication use. TchaasAmen’s satisfaction in these direct outcomes motivates him to deepen his studies and share the five essential heart qualities: trust, openness, love, gratitude, and true respect for all things.

Give TchaasAmen a follow on Instagram @herunefer, and DM him for private healing consultations.

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #HeruHeals #BreathingBlackLove #WOWGallery

#TheDayWithTrae - Today’s episode of "The Day with Trae" featured BP Parker, a hip-hop artist, author, and creator of the "Love Is Dope" brand. Parker explained the brand's origin, emphasizing its roots in his personal experiences and the love within his community. Host Trae Holiday lauded the brand for its powerful message and its role in circulating Black dollars.

Parker also highlighted the real-life impact of his work, including his album, "Love Grind & Growth," which he described as having “a real life heartbeat.” As an author, he offers a free, two-page guide on the five love languages, aiming for genuine life alteration and meaningful connection. He asserted that the wisdom shared comes from 100% real-life experiences that, according to him, give the most back when given the most energy.

“Love Is Dope” and Parker’s other endeavors represent the success and importance of supporting the Black community from within the Black community. His commitment to "representing love, representing grind, and representing growth” make his message particularly impactful. 

Check out BP Parker’s new album “Love Grind & Growth” on all streaming platforms. Visit thebpbrand.com to view his book, and give Parker a follow @official_bp_parker on Instagram.

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #LoveIsDope #BPParker #LoveGrindAndGrowth

#TheDayWithTrae - Alexandra Tavares, an accomplished actress, joined Trae Holiday on "The Day with Trae" to discuss her journey as an actor and her role as Regina Giddens in the Intiman Theatre's production of "The Little Foxes." 

Tavares shared that her love for theater began as a child, finding live performances to be a magical and profound experience. Despite starting her professional acting journey later in graduate school, she has since embraced the career, becoming a strong advocate for live arts due to its unique ability to connect and heal communities. She also discussed character development for complex roles, expressing a fascination with exploring the psychology of characters driven by a desire to survive. She highlighted theater's imaginative space for adults, fostering joy, discovery, and curiosity. 

Regarding her current role as Regina Giddens in "The Little Foxes," Tavares described the character as a brutal, ambitious woman shaped by generational trauma, navigating limited avenues in 1900s Alabama. She connects with Giddens through their shared experience of motherhood and the "female tap dance" of manipulation to achieve goals.

To buy tickets to see “The Little Foxes” at the Erickson Theatre starting October 15, visit intiman.org/little-foxes

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #IntimanTheatre #TheLittleFoxes #SeattleTheatre

#TheDayWithTrae - Claudia Balducci, a King County Executive candidate, recently appeared on "The Day with Trae" to discuss her background and platform as she gears up for the upcoming election in November. Her public service career spans from neighborhood advocacy to the Bellevue City Council, where she served as mayor, and now her third term on the King County Council. With over 25 years of experience working for King County, including leading the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, Balducci is motivated by a desire to improve lives through effective public service.

Balducci's top priorities are housing, transportation, and public safety. She aims to ensure affordable housing and complete the high-capacity transit system to foster inclusive communities. In public safety, she advocates for a comprehensive approach combining prevention, human services investment, and accountability for violent crime, noting that 86% of funding goes to addressing offenses while only 14% supports crime survivors.

To address King County's diverse needs, Balducci holds Saturday morning coffees and engages with community groups. Campaigning on her ability to deliver from concept to implementation, she committed to incorporating the voices of public safety advocates and crime survivors into her administration. 

Visit claudiabalducci.com to learn more about her campaign. 

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #YourVoteMatters #KingCounty

#TheDayWithTrae - Shayla Akande, CEO of Cierra Sisters, recently stopped by "The Day with Trae" to discuss her organization's vital work during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and their upcoming Vibe Bingo event tomorrow, October 9. 

Akande highlighted the origins of Cierra Sisters, founded by her mother after facing medical dismissal about her own breast cancer. This personal experience revealed a critical disparity: Black women are dying from breast cancer at a 40% higher rate than white women, not due to higher incidence, but lack of proper screening and advocacy. 

Actively striving to close that gap, Cierra Sisters raises awareness through community initiatives, support groups, and education opportunities around breast cancer and self-advocacy in healthcare. A significant partnership with the University of Washington is training five Cierra Sisters as community-based researchers, ensuring that the Black community's perspectives are integral to cancer research. 

Akande stressed the importance of community partnerships with organizations that genuinely value Black lives and are committed to driving impact. Cierra Sisters stands as a testament to creating solutions from within the community, fostering a supportive environment where individuals are not isolated in their fight against breast cancer. 

Visit cierrasisters.org to learn more about their programs, the upcoming event TOMORROW, October 9, and how to get involved.

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #CierraSisters #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #VibeBingo

#TheDayWithTrae - Hkwaua'Que'Jol Hollins, or Q, the Youth and Family Services Manager for King County Library Systems (KCLS), recently spoke with Trae Holiday on "The Day with Trae" about his journey working in education, his dedication to helping children feeling limited in their choices, and how he drives these values into tangible progress at KCLS.

Hollins emphasized KCLS's commitment to inclusive programming, noting the library system’s active search for community feedback to shape their resources. This approach has led to significant growth, with summer reading program sign-ups increasing from 12,000 to 35,000, according to Hollins. KCLS also provides a comprehensive Study Zone program, which has expanded to 38 branches, offering in-person and online tutoring, reading buddies, and math clubs for all ages.

Hollins encouraged community involvement, particularly through volunteering, announcing KCLS's plan to hire a volunteer coordinator next year to support adult volunteers. He urged viewers to visit kcls.org/backtoschool or kcls.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities and programs, stressing that libraries are vital community hubs that thrive on public support.

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #KCLS #YouthAndFamilyServices

#TheDayWithTrae - Chuck Dance, the creator of Vibe Bingo, recently sat down with Trae Holiday on "The Day with Trae" to discuss the origins and expansive reach of his unique style of bingo turned high-energy musical experience, and upcoming Breast Cancer Awareness event on Thursday, October 9. 

Since its humble origins at Dance’s family gatherings, Vibe Bingo has evolved into a wildly popular experience across local and national audiences. Dance elaborated on how the concept focuses on community and fellowship, fostering an environment where people from all backgrounds and ages can enjoy themselves without issue. The interactive nature of Vibe Bingo has led to its expansion into corporate offices for Boeing Credit Union, kid's bingo nights, gospel-themed events, and even taking the experience to cities like Houston and Portland, Oregon.

Looking ahead, Dance envisioned continual growth for Vibe Bingo, including plans to bring the experience to nursing homes and explore different musical genres like Afrobeats and country music. He emphasized that Vibe Bingo is not confined to a box and can be customized to any audience or event. Additionally, Dance highlighted a significant partnership with Cierra Sisters for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with an upcoming event on Thursday, October 9 at The New Local in Kent. 

Visit vibebingo.com or @officialvibebingo on Instagram to learn more about the concept and upcoming event this Thursday.

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #VibeBingo #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

#TheDayWithTrae - Maria Abando, an organizer for Whose Streets? Our Streets!, joined guest host Deaunte Damper on “The Day With Trae” to share her deep commitment to community organizing and crucial information on the organization and their upcoming candidate forum for District 2, The Southend Speaks - Our Voices, Our Vote!

Hailing from Tacoma, Abando now lives in Seattle's Chinatown International District, an area of the city that inspires her to ensure the voices of people of color are heard in policy-making. Through Whose Streets? Our Streets!, she strives to create community-centered organizing spaces where individuals feel valued and safe, emphasizing that "campaigns end, but true community persists."

Abando discussed the current "climate of fear" that she believes is making people hesitant to engage in activism. She noted that organizers and activists are often targeted or criminalized, and that economic struggles make it difficult for people to dedicate time to organizing when basic needs are unmet. 

Whose Streets? Our Streets!’s upcoming District 2 candidate forum will take place on Tuesday, October 14, at 5 PM at the Rainier Arts Center. To RSVP and learn more about the organization,  visit our-streets.org 

#TDWT #WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters #WhoseStreetsOurStreets #District2Seattle #CommunityOrganizing