Entrepreneurs Amanda and Tariq Sahali recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss their dual commitment to entrepreneurship and community preservation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple launched Ma & Pops, a Black-owned popsicle company in the Central District, and now lead the new Ujamaa Property Collective.

Ma & Pops specializes in natural, vegan, and gluten-free artisanal treats. Their signature flavors, which include coconut sea moss, blackberry mint, and blueberry lavender, are inspired by their Caribbean roots and indigenous Pacific Northwest ingredients. 

Beyond their popular treats, the Sahalis are also tackling the region's housing crisis with Ujamaa Property Collective. The collective aims to address the rising burdens of rent and homeownership that displace Black artists and residents. Their goal is to develop a co-op or similar housing model to preserve community space. 

Check out Ma & Pops at maandpops.com, and follow Ujamaa Property Collective on Instagram.

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Author Ed Taylor recently sat down with host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss his new book, The Power of the River. The memoir celebrates community resilience and the legacy of Black motherhood, paying homage to the "grace, dignity, and joy" of Black single mothers.

The book’s title itself, The Power of the River, serves as a multi-layered metaphor for Taylor’s life and the broader Black experience. Taylor described the river as a force that can both conceal tracks and provide a clear sense of direction, referencing historical figures like Harriet Tubman as inspiration.

In bringing his stories to the public, Taylor found a platform with the Black-led Hinton Publishing after facing daunting barriers common in the traditional publishing world. He credited Hinton’s Marcus Harrison Green with "knocking over dams" to allow an ordinary person’s story to be told, emphasizing the imperative of such platforms for community healing and connection.

"The story is not so much about me, but it's about the power of stories in our community. And we all have them,” Taylor said.

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Mezzo-soprano opera singer J'Nai Bridges is making a triumphant return to her hometown of Seattle for her official, fully staged operatic debut with Seattle Opera in the title role of Carmen. She recently sat down with host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss her path back home. 

Having performed the iconic role in roughly 15 productions and over 100 shows globally, Bridges shared that it feels "especially poignant and gratifying to come home" to the Emerald City. She said she approaches her career with a strong sense of purpose and self-assurance, refusing to apologize for her identity. "I am who I am—which is Black,” she said, seeing herself as following in the footsteps of Black operatic greats that have paved the way. 

The Seattle Opera production of Carmen featuring J'Nai Bridges runs on the following select dates: May 3rd at 2 p.m., May 9th at 7:30 p.m., May 13th at 7:30 p.m., and May 17th at 2 p.m. at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall. Get your tickets to Carmen at seattleopera.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, host Trae Holiday welcomed Dorianne Attiogbé, the founder and designer of Atiwo, a jewelry brand that masterfully blends multicultural influences. Attiogbé’s unique designs serve as a tapestry of her life, drawing from West African patterns, the sophisticated style of her upbringing in Paris, and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

While she is widely recognized for her intricate hand-sculpted polymer clay pieces, she recently expanded her artistry into metalwork with her latest brass collection, Eliké. By hand-finishing every item, she ensures that each piece of jewelry remains a one-of-a-kind work of art with its own distinct character.

As Mother’s Day approaches, Attiogbé encouraged those seeking thoughtful gifts to explore her collections online at atiwodesigns.com.

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Opera singer Darren Drone recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss his current role in Seattle Opera’s Carmen and its exploration of enduring social tensions. 

Drone's musical career began unexpectedly in Arkansas as a child, where he had a natural gift for mimicry, echoing the sounds of R&B and soul legends like Donell Jones and Barry White. Although he initially pursued instrumental music, playing the euphonium, a pivotal high school casting as Daddy Warbucks in Annie shifted his trajectory onto the operatic stage.

In Carmen, which is set in 1950s Havana, Drone portrays the character Zuniga. He emphasized that he wants the audience to understand the historically relevant power dynamics between women and men that, he noted, still exist today. 

Returning to Seattle Opera for Carmen, Drone praised the company's welcoming atmosphere, noting that it "always felt so inviting" and "feels like a warm hug." 

Carmen opens Saturday, May 2nd and runs through May 17th at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall. Get your tickets at seattleopera.org.

Learn more about Darren Drone at darrenlekeithdrone.com. 

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Actor Erica Walker made her theatrical debut this Spring in Taproot Theatre’s production of Ain’t Misbehavin,’ closing this Saturday, April 25th. She recently joined “The Day with Trae” with host Trae Holiday to discuss her experience on stage and the collective power of Seattle’s Black community.

In the Taproot production, Walker plays the role of Nell, a character famously portrayed by the legendary actor Nell Carter. Walker talked about the challenge of transitioning from her gospel roots in church to singing Carter's complex jazz chords, noting that the breakthrough came when she chose to bring her own essence to the part.

Beyond the phenomenal music and dancing, Walker hopes the audience walks away with a pure sense of joy. She viewed Ain't Misbehavin' as an open invitation to witness the resilience and daily magnificence of the Black experience.

“This is our story as African Americans. This is our joy. We are simply inviting others to come in and play along with us to enjoy the joy that we so magnificently display on a daily basis,” she said.

Ain't Misbehavin' closes this Saturday, April 25th at the Jewell Mainstage Theatre, 204 N 85th St, Seattle. Get your tickets at tinyurl.com/TaprootTheatre.

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Geordan Newbill, the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle program director, recently sat down with host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss the impact of equine programs on youth and the community at large.

Newbill’s connection to the Buffalo Soldiers began when he was just six years old, captivated by the sight of Black men riding horses at local events. Today, he is a steward for the next generation, working to dispel historical myths and perpetuate the Buffalo Soldiers’ deep roots in Washington state.

Operating out of Tacoma and Fife, Washington, the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle offer community-focused initiatives that extend far beyond basic riding lessons. One signature initiative, Equine Days at the Park, introduces families to the vast opportunities within the equine world, including career paths, college scholarships, and therapeutic practices. These programs are intentionally multi-generational, designed so that parents, grandparents, and children can learn together.

Learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle and their upcoming events at buffalosoldiersofseattle.com

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Philip "Sharp Skills" Jacobs is driving the evolution of the Pacific Northwest music scene with the launch of The Rebel Residency, Tacoma, Washington's first-ever hip-hop residency. On a recent episode of “The Day With Trae” with host Trae Holiday, Jacobs shared his vision for Tacoma, and discussed his new residency and book.

Jacobs recalled observing a creative void in Tacoma, noting that local talent was often confined to makeshift stages while major national acts toured the region. Inspired by major Las Vegas shows, he personally funded the residency and assembled a professional team, including a four-piece band and a DJ, intending to elevate the standard for local hip-hop performances.

Beyond his pioneering work on stage, Jacobs is expanding his reach as a recording artist and author. His new fiction book, Gladiator, employs a parable-style format to address universal challenges such as divorce, financial setbacks, and sickness, stemming from his belief that 

Musically, he recently released the single "City of Destiny" featuring Tara Chugh, which serves as a precursor to his upcoming album, Port of Tacoma, set for release on June 26th.

The next installment of The Rebel Residency's four-part run is scheduled for June 27th at Edison Square in Tacoma. Get your tickets at tinyurl.com/RebelResidency 

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

Award-winning Tacoma-based celebrity barber Juice Fades recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” for a conversation on his journey to barbering, his Tacoma roots, and making his manifestations a reality. 

While still in school, he was inspired by visiting professional barbers active in the competition scene. It was then that he decided he would one day be a celebrity barber—even manifesting it in his social media bio before he had ever cut a famous client's hair.

His dream was realized when comedian Nate Jackson walked into his shop. Despite being fully booked, Juice recognized the opportunity, adjusted his schedule, and took the shot, which opened his doors to cutting hair for comedians and stars.

Today, Juice Fades stands as a barbershop staple within the Tacoma community. He has won competition titles three years consecutively at the Reign of Style Hair Show and Competition. Currently, Juice Fades is nominated for the prestigious "Barber of the Year" MANE Award at Reign of Style, with voting open through Sunday, April 19th at reignofstyle.com 

Keep up with his journey and book a session via his Instagram.

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Nine-year-old Zaina The Phenom recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae,” adding "author" to her impressive resume as a performer, rapper, and songwriter. Her new children's book, “Zaina The Mermaid... Or Not?” is now available in 200 countries and 50 languages through major retailers.

The success of Zaina's book was immediate, selling over a thousand copies in just its first 30 days, she said. Zaina uses her platform to encourage other young people to pursue their dreams with a clear core message: "You can do anything you want. You just got to believe in it”.

Even with the success of her first book and a second part already in the works, Zaina is not slowing down. She recently secured a music distribution deal with Roc Nation, with new singles like “Stay Humble” and “I Look Cute Everyday” scheduled for release. For Zaina, the journey is about growth, as she wisely advised her peers to “go the hard way, not the easy way,” because working hard ultimately leads to more passion.

Check out Zaina The Phenom’s work at zainathephenom.com.

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Practitioner and herbalist J, also known as the Hood Healer, recently joined “The Day With Trae” with host Trae Holiday to discuss the role of holistic health and ancestral practices in community healing. 

J approaches community wellness through a structured four-pillar R.O.O.T. process: regulation, optimization, observation, and tools. She identified stress as the primary culprit for many physical ailments in the Black community, noting that organs "are literally shutting down" while trying to compensate for the stress being faced. 

With urgency, J challenged the perception of chronic illness, urging listeners to view disease not as a permanent label, but as a signal. She works to disprove the myth that people must live with lifelong chronic conditions, asserting that the body is trying to communicate a problem, not fight the person. 

Learn more about J and her services at hoodhealer.org 

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

Rahel Behailu, the health equity program executive for the YMCA of Greater Seattle, recently joined host Trae Holiday on "The Day with Trae" to discuss her work in solving health disparities. Behailu pointed to an unavoidable truth: a person's financial circumstances should not determine their health. 

While many people still view the YMCA primarily as a fitness center, Behailu highlighted its significant evolution into a leading national organization dedicated to health equity. The organization's outreach has expanded well beyond its physical locations to serve those who have been displaced by gentrification and lack traditional access to care. 

Behailu's dedication is fueled by her experience as the mother of a cancer survivor and her understanding of the immense toll chronic illness takes on families. She envisioned the YMCA as a bridge, connecting community members with major medical institutions and helping to close the gap where medical providers may not fully grasp a patient's culture or personal biases.

Learn more about the YMCA of Greater Seattle at seattleymca.org 

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Kendra Liddell, representing the Central District Community Preservation and Development Authority, recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss the organization’s revitalization of The McKinney Center for Community & Economic Development. 

Liddell is focused on creating a "micro ecosystem" within the building that collaboratively connects to the broader community. She is also working to preserve local history, including organizing an upcoming exhibit to honor Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney’s 100th birthday. She emphasized the importance of telling regional stories, as students often learn a broad history of Black culture and leaders, but it is not always specific to the region, she said. 

Liddell invited the community to the CDCPDA Springing Forward: Brunch for Black Economic Brilliance on April 17, 2026, at the Amazon Frontier in Seattle’s Denny Triangle. Learn more at tinyurl.com/cdcpdabrunch 

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Lenny Howze Jr., Executive Director of the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle, recently joined host Trae Holiday on "The Day with Trae" to discuss the organization’s work in horsemanship and community outreach. As a third-generation cowboy with a deep family legacy, Howze is dedicated to reopening access for young people to experience the transformative impact and majestic energy of horses.

The Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle’s mission centers on reclaiming historical identity and fostering personal growth, which Howze notes is evident in the confidence kids gain from handling a horse one-on-one. By sharing this history at spaces like Red Barn Ranch, the group helps young people connect with their past and find their direction.

The organization offers a range of programs, including after-school curriculum, equestrian days at local parks, and experiential learning. Howze ultimately envisioned the Buffalo Soldiers as a community healing space where everyone can find refuge, and he encouraged the community to join them in amplifying local brilliance.

Learn more about the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle at buffalosoldiersofseattle.com 

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The work of South African visual artist Olwethu De Vos thrives at the intersection of traditional technique and contemporary message. In a recent virtual interview on “The Day With Trae” with host Trae Holiday, De Vos shared her journey from studying sculpture and glassblowing to developing a unique "sculptural drawing" signature using woven copper.  

For De Vos, the core concept of her art revolves around multi-faceted healing: spiritual, physical, mental, and systematic. Inspired by conversations with different generations of women, De Vos uses her work to counter the cultural fear of aging and the misconception that a woman’s value diminishes over time, ultimately encouraging a dialogue of restoration and self-confidence.

Beyond her creative practice, De Vos is deeply involved in philanthropy and art direction through the Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize Foundation, which she created out of frustration with the unregulated and often toxic nature of the art industry. As she looks toward reaching an international stage, De Vos continues to advocate for the value of South Africa’s raw talent and art's power to reflect current affairs and provoke meaningful change. 

Learn more about De Vos and her artwork at olwethudevos.co.za

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Former Washington State Representative for District 37 Dawn Mason recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss her nearly 40-year legacy in education advocacy. 

Mason founded Parents for Student Success, an organization that provides school-age children's parents with the information and skills needed to effectively manage their K–12 education. Her platform is rooted in ensuring that all children are guaranteed the same opportunities as those children of the privileged and entitled.

Currently, Mason works with the Red Barn Ranch in Auburn, an initiative that provides underserved youth with nature-based programs. She stressed the power of collective action, advising people to "come together with people of like minds and accomplish something.”

Learn more about Parents for Student Success pfss-nw.org.

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

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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 

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