It All Begins Here

Are blue-collar jobs more secure than desk jobs? Recently on The Pop-Up!, Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins called for the examination of how technology replaces human workers and causes economic disruptions, referencing Governor Bob Ferguson’s new economic activation council.

Calkins suggested shifting the focus away from traditional desk jobs to rethink the value of blue-collar careers, highlighting secure opportunities at the Port in areas like welding and aviation mechanics.

Watch Ryan’s full interview alongside Boon Boona Coffee CEO and founder Efrem Fesaha at tinyurl.com/EfremRyan

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Last week on The Pop-Up!, host Deaunte Damper sat down with South Seattle Emerald Founder Marcus Harrison Green who shared how the Emerald navigates the obstacles facing Black media: by relying on small resources, planning well in advance, and doubling down on foundational community relationships.

Read the South Seattle Emerald at southseattleemerald.com 

Watch Marcus’ full interview alongside Jessica Thiessen of SunRise Fairs at tinyurl.com/MarcusJessica 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

“How do we raise young people who are so disconnected from the value of their life?” During his appearance on The Pop-Up! last week, Movement Makers founder Sean Goode challenged the narrative that technology causes interpersonal disconnection, arguing instead that people suffer from a lack of connection to themselves. 

Drawing on his experiences as a juvenile detention chaplain, he explained that people cannot truly value or connect with others until they first recognize and believe in their own self-worth.

Check out Sean’s work with Movement Makers at movementmakers.us 

Catch Sean’s full episode with host The Big O at tinyurl.com/SeanOmari 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

What does celebrating America mean to you? Creative advocate Jessica B. Thiessen and South Seattle Emerald Founder Marcus Harrison Green joined The Pop-Up! last week with host Deaunte Damper where they aired out their grievances about celebrating America in light of this past Fourth of July weekend. 

Watch Jessica and Marcus’ full interview at tinyurl.com/MarcusJessica 

Read the South Seattle Emerald at southseattleemerald.com 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

“I love you. You are enough.” Last week on The Pop-Up!, Sean Goode was back in the studio with some heartfelt words of affirmation for the community at large, reminding us all that what we’re meant to become is deep inside of us. Check out Sean’s work with Movement Makers at movementmakers.us

Catch Sean’s full episode with host The Big O at tinyurl.com/SeanOmari

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

The Fourth of July is a time for reflection. Last week on The Pop-Up! with host Deaunte Damper, South Seattle Emerald Founder Marcus Harrison Green reflected on his personal reaction to seeing the American flag displayed by his veteran father. He shared his internal struggle with this trigger and discussed his ongoing contemplation regarding the legacy and impact he wants to leave behind in America.

Read the South Seattle Emerald at southseattleemerald.com 

Watch Marcus’ full interview alongside Jessica Thiessen of SunRise Fairs at tinyurl.com/MarcusJessica 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

This week on The Pop-Up!, result maker and room shaker Jessica B. Thiessen joined the show to discuss the upcoming SunRise Fair Be Well Festival taking place this Saturday. The event will feature a solar-powered farmers market, connecting people with sustainable initiatives in the name of community and fun.

The SunRise Fair is happening tomorrow, Saturday, July 4th in Auburn, Washington at 37308 212th Way SE. Get your FREE tickets today at www.sunrisefairs.com

Watch Jessica’s full interview alongside South Seattle Emerald founder Marcus Harrison Green at tinyurl.com/MarcusJessica

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Did you catch Efrem Fesaha on The Pop-Up? Efrem, the CEO & Founder of Boon Boona Coffee, recently sat down in the Black Media Matters Studio where he shared how he overcame early rejections in 2011 to build his business by selling green coffee out of his car. He reflected on how his community helped him prove that the coffee industry can be less exploitative and more intentional with the right priorities.

Swing by Boon Boona’s Waterfront location at 1515 Western Ave, Seattle, Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Learn more about Boon Boona at boonboonacoffee.com

Watch Efrem’s full interview alongside Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins at tinyurl.com/EfremRyan

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

In the Emerald City, there’s no place for hate. Recently on The Pop-Up!, Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins reinforced how much a strong migrant population contributes to the success of Seattle and the entire country. Sitting alongside Boon Boona Coffee CEO and founder Efrem Fesaha, Calkins encouraged the current generation to tune out anti-immigrant rhetoric and remember that the migrant experience is built into the fabric of the nation.

Watch Ryan’s full interview alongside Fesaha at tinyurl.com/EfremRyan

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Have you been to Boon Boona Coffee? The local coffee favorite’s CEO and founder Efrem Fesaha recently joined The Pop-Up! where he reflected on the opening of Boon Boona’s Waterfront Park location and gave us a history lesson, pointing to Ethiopia as the true birthplace of coffee. 

Swing by Boon Boona’s Waterfront location at 1515 Western Ave, Seattle, Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Learn more about Boon Boona at boonboonacoffee.com 

Watch Efrem’s full interview alongside Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins at tinyurl.com/EfremRyan 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

“People want connections,” Warnessa “YaGirlNess” Victorian said on The Pop-Up! last week. She discussed how people inherently want to build relationships, but an increasing reliance on technology may have caused the community to lose the skills needed to naturally meet new people. As an avid entertainer, chef, and DJ, creating spaces where people can make those connections is her MO.

Watch YaGirlNess and Mr. Nyice Guy’s full interview at tinyurl.com/WarnessaNyiceGuy

Catch them both hosting Vibe Bingo at Nate Jackson’s Super Funny Comedy Club TONIGHT, Thursday, July 2. Get your tickets today at vibebingo.com

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Don't underestimate the power of a good mentor. On the first episode of Erik Kalligraphy’s new spinoff of The Pop-Up! called All My Friends Are Dope, artist Justin Pinder said mentorship drives his efforts to give back to younger creative minds. He reflected on how spending time around older mentors accelerated his maturity and helped guide his trajectory as an artist.

Watch Justin’s full interview alongside his creative collaborator LA at tinyurl.com/PinderLA 

Check out Justin and LA’s new track "Boats 4 Sale" on all major streaming platforms. 

Tune in to All My Friends Are Dope weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Do you have a degree from YouTube University? Last week on The Pop-Up!, DJ T.A.B. dropped some insight into how she started to make a name for herself as a DJ in the largely male-dominated industry in Seattle. The answer? Learning on YouTube and a whole lot of hard work.

Watch DJ T.A.B.’s full interview on The Pop-Up! alongside Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward at tinyurl.com/WardTab

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Do y’all remember your messy middle school era? Last week on The Pop-Up!, guest host Sean Goode gave us a peek into his own middle school experience and spoke about how important that time in young men's lives is as a period of growth.

Watch the full episode where Sean interviews educator and thought leader Jerome Hunter on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/GoodeHunter

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Have you been to Umami Kushi in Rainier Beach? Last week on The Pop-Up!, Umami Kushi owner Harold Fields talked about his Japanese-fusion grab-and-go concept, the challenges facing small business owners in South Seattle, and what the community can do to support small Black-owned businesses.

Stop by Umami Kushi today at 9099 Seward Park Ave S Unit 2 Thursdays through Sundays. 

Watch Harold’s interview, alongside owner of Intentionalist CEO & Founder Laura Clise, at tinyurl.com/CliseFields 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

To what extent does AI threaten the creative process? On the most recent TACOMA TAKEOVER on The Pop-Up!, Tacoma-bred creative entrepreneur Sentu Taylor sat down with guest host Elisha Michelle where he shared his thoughts on AI art and its relationship with his own creativity.

Sentu is a multi-hyphenate creative, well known for his clothing brand Random Idiot. He built a brand around the idea that self-awareness beats self-absorption, symbolized by a lightbulb wearing a dunce cap.

Check out Sentu’s work on Instagram.

Sentu was recently selected to showcase his work at Threaded Together: A Celebration of Seattle Fashion happening July 10th at The 101, 101 S Jackson St, Seattle. Learn more at tinyurl.com/ThreadedTogether1

Watch Sentu's full interview, alongside Federal Way-based artist KGodd, at tinyurl.com/KGoddTaylor

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Last week on The Pop-Up! with host Deaunte Damper, Movement Makers founder Sean Goode reflected on his longstanding mantra: young people are possibilities to be developed rather than problems to be solved. He suggested expanding this mindset to adults, encouraging people to view even those who cause harm as possible rather than problematic.

Sean is back on The Pop-Up! tonight at 9 p.m. Don't forget to tune in!

Watch Sean’s full interview on The Pop-Up! at rb.gy/05heyi 

Learn more about Movement Makers at movementmakers.us 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Last week on The Pop-Up! with host Deaunte Damper, Fatherhood Accountability Movement (FAM) founder Cortez Charles shared heartfelt reflections on how communities can combat gun violence, gang violence, and drug issues. 

Watch Charles’ full interview alongside former Washington State Representative Jesse Johnson at tinyurl.com/CharlesJohnson2 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Say it louder for the people in the back! Monday night on The Pop-Up!, host Deaunte Damper had something to say during International Men’s Health Week: when Black men tap into their vulnerability, it’s a super power. 

Deaunte was joined by two powerhouse community advocates: Cortez Charles, founder of the Fatherhood Accountability Movement (FAM), and former State Representative Jesse Johnson. Together, they talked about all things Black men’s mental health and how collective growth can take major steps toward generational healing. 

Watch the full episode at tinyurl.com/CharlesJohnson2 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Have you gotten your Special Edition Buy Black Card yet? This week on The Pop-Up!, Intentionalist CEO & founder Laura Clise talked about the new Special Edition Buy Black Card and how it’s changing the game for small Black-owned businesses in the area this summer.

The Buy Black Card is a payment option accepted at nearly 150 Black-owned, brick-and-mortar businesses across the Greater Seattle area. It provides consumers with a 20% purchasing boost supported by sponsors while ensuring participating businesses still receive the full value of every transaction.

To get your own Buy Black Card, visit intentionalist.com 

Watch Laura’s interview, alongside owner of Umami Kushi Harold Fields, at tinyurl.com/CliseFields 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

“There’s been a lot of misinformation about who I am,” City Attorney Erika Evans said on The Pop-Up! last week. Shortly after a press conference where she outlined her track record prosecuting drug and gun traffickers, pimps, and other dangers to the community, Evans stopped by the Black Media Matters Studio where she reiterated her qualifications and the specific challenges she faces as a Black woman in her position.

Watch the City Attorney’s full interview alongside Seattle Chief of Police Shon Barnes at tinyurl.com/EvansBarnes

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Last week on The Pop-Up!, Seattle Chief of Police Shon Barnes addressed the realities of sex trafficking, asserting that these buyers in Seattle will face arrest, prosecution, and public embarrassment for their role in hurting victims.

Barnes clarified that sex trafficking is not the glorified version often depicted in media but is instead a brutal form of modern-day slavery involving extortion, physical assault, and starvation. He highlighted his department's efforts in rescuing young girls and stressed the importance of educating both the public and law enforcement officers to recognize the true, violent nature of these crimes.

Watch Chief Barnes’ full interview alongside Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans at tinyurl.com/EvansBarnes

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

“The community is very much on board,” Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said. Chief Barnes joined The Pop-Up! last week where he reflected on the community support he has received, particularly from the city’s older Black community, and why it’s significant to him. 

Watch Chief Barnes’ full interview alongside Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans at tinyurl.com/EvansBarnes 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Last week, Chief Barnes sat down with The Big O in the Black Media Matters Studio where he spoke about his press conference earlier that day, his professional relationship with Mayor Katie Wilson, and his hopes to remain Police Chief long enough to eventually retire from the position.  

Watch Chief Barnes’ full interview alongside Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans at tinyurl.com/EvansBarnes 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Shortly after a press conference addressing sex trafficking and gun violence on Seattle’s Aurora Avenue, Evans spoke about shocking statistics: Black girls account for just 4.4% of King County’s population, yet they represent between 44% and 52% of its child sex trafficking victims, according to regional prosecutors and members of the King County Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Task Force.

Watch the City Attorney’s full interview alongside Seattle Chief of Police Shon Barnes at tinyurl.com/EvansBarnes

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Are you bumping KGodd’s new remix with Bobby Schmurda and Chef Boy? Last week on The Pop-Up!, guest host Elisha Michelle sat down with Federal Way artist KGodd where he told the origin story of his new “BEND OVA BUSS IT” remix and shared his thoughts on the West Coast scene in the 253. 

Watch KGodd’s full interview, alongside Tacoma-based multidisciplinary artist Sentu Taylor, at tinyurl.com/KGoddTaylor 

Check out KGodd’s music on all major streaming platforms and social media.

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Are you looking to kick off summer with a sense of community? Recently on The Pop-Up!, co-founder of Urban Family Paul Patu sat down with The Big O to talk about his upcoming Safe Summer Block Party happening on June 17th, the last day of school.

For Paul, the Block Party is all about creating signs of hope within the community, particularly in Seattle’s South End. The event sends a unifying message that the community itself provides the safety it needs. By showing up together on the last day of school, the community acts as a symbol of hope, demonstrating that collective action is required to ensure neighborhoods are safe, connected, and cared for, he said.

The Safe Summers Block Party is happening this Wednesday, June 17th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Rainier Beach on Henderson with live music, games, food, and family fun. Reserve your spot at tinyurl.com/SafeSummerBlockParty

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Last week, Deaunte Damper discussed his role as the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) Community Engagement Specialist. To Deaunte, it all comes back to serving his community and doing everything in his power to set up the next generation for success in the wake of gun violence.

As part of Together We End Gun Violence Week, in partnership with ROGVP, watch Deaunte’s full interview alongside Eleuthera Lisch and Ariana Donaville of ROGVP on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/EleutheraLisch

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Earlier this week on The Pop-Up!, Tacoma’s Juneteenth Celebration organizer JD Davis spoke of his landmark event as a "road to economic freedom," offering community resources from 193 vendors, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and housing organizations.

While also featuring a stacked lineup of entertainers, the celebration's primary mission is to educate and celebrate the essence of Black Joy.

Reserve your spot at the Juneteenth Celebration: A Road To Economic Freedom in Tacoma, Washington at juneteenthwa.com Watch JD’S full interview, alongside cultural worker Naudia Miller, at tinyurl.com/NaudiaJD‍ ‍

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Founder of Solutions for Seattle Melvin Slaughter discussed his big picture vision for Seattle youth on The Pop-Up! this week, and why it’s important for youth to engage with creative expression through art and music as a form of storytelling. 

Melvin is organizing Solutions for Seattle Day at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, June 17th. Learn more about this community initiative at solutionsforseattle.com 

Watch Melvin’s full interview, alongside King County Superior Court Judge Sean O’Donnell, at tinyurl.com/SlaughterODonnell 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Real estate developer Jaebadiah Gardner recently hopped on The Pop-Up! to share that GardnerGlobal headquarters is opening its doors to host a private remote box suite experience for both World Cup games held in Seattle. For $250 a ticket, guests can enjoy a luxury setting with amazing people while avoiding the high costs of stadium tickets.

Where? GardnerGlobal HQ, 1409 Post Alley Walk Wy, Seattle

When? Monday, June 15th at 12 p.m. and Friday, June 19th at 12 p.m.

Get your tickets at tinyurl.com/WorldCupJaeb

Watch Jaebadiah’s full interview, alongside David Long, Executive Director of Testament Praise Worship Gatherings, at tinyurl.com/GardnerLong

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, Executive Director of Testimony Praise Worship Gatherings David Long dove into his FREE community fundraising and inspiration event, “Showing The Lost What Found Looks Like,” happening TOMORROW, Thursday, June 11 from 4:15 to 8:30 PM at the Art Love Salon on Union Street.

The event brings together a handful of young artists, speakers, and performers to showcase the next generation’s talent, acknowledging the undeniable obstacles they currently face.

Reserve your spot today at tinyurl.com/DavidLongEvent

Watch David’s full interview, alongside real estate developer Jaebadiah Gardner, at tinyurl.com/GardnerLong

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Former Seattle protest leader TK Turner recently reflected on her transformative six-year journey since her renowned leadership during the 2020 protests in the Emerald City. Now a student at Seattle University, Turner offered a candid assessment of Seattle's current state of equity, warning against "closeted" microaggressions, and urged the community to move beyond complacency toward proactive progress.

Watch the full interview with TK at tinyurl.com/TKTurner‍ ‍

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Gregory Joseph, the Alliance for Gun Responsibility Director of Communications, joined host The Big O last week to discuss the Alliance’s work in supporting survivors and sharing their stories with lawmakers and those in positions of power. His message was clear: “Survivors have to be front and center in this movement.”

Gregory’s interview, alongside ROGVP Youth Ambassadors, was part of "Together We End Gun Violence Week," in partnership with the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

Watch the full interview at tinyurl.com/YouthAmbassadors1

Learn more about the Alliance at gunresponsibility.org

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Last week on The Pop-Up! King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) Youth Ambassadors Melodie Slaughter and Joshua Wheeldon discussed the collective effort required to end gun violence and the importance of centering youth voices in creating a safer Seattle and King County. 

Melodie and Joshua highlighted the Youth Ambassador for Change program, which provides a platform for young people to share their lived experiences and the specific challenges facing their generation. They emphasized that coming together as a community to support those in need is an imperative step toward getting ahead of violence. 

The Youth Ambassadors’ interview alongside Gregory Joseph of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility was part of "Together We End Gun Violence Week," in partnership with the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

Watch the full interview at tinyurl.com/YouthAmbassadors1 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

How do we move past having a “poverty mindset?” Ché Davis, the Financial Literacy Chair for the NAACP State Conference covering Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, told us how last week on The Pop-Up! in the Black Media Matters Studio.

While host The Big O explained that Black communities have learned to excessively adapt under the poverty line, Davis encouraged people to reposition the struggle, build a plan without fear, and, above all else, respect the process in the quest for bettering ourselves financially. Watch Ché’s full interview on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/CheDavis

The NAACP Alaska Oregon Washington State Area Conference is hosting a Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the World Trade Center Seattle, 2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 410. Get your tickets at tinyurl.com/NAACPLuncheon

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

The youth are the truth! Eddie Purpose, Executive Director of Progress Pushers, joined The Pop-Up! with host The Big O for “Together We End Gun Violence Week,” where he talked about what it takes to elevate Black and brown young adults in King County to “live in their greatness.”

Eddie’s interview alongside Marvin Marshall of the Freedom Project is part of "Together We End Gun Violence Week," in partnership with the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

Learn more about Progress Pushers at progresspushers.org

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Last week on The Pop-Up!, LaTanya Horace DuBois, the founder of The Silent Task Force, highlighted the crisis of young Black girls being the most trafficked group in Washington state and laid out solutions to solve this problem.

While poverty and family displacement are significant drivers, DuBois pointed to a lack of youth resources in the Emerald City as a prime culprit, alongside online and in-school grooming.

The Silent Task Force is hosting a Community Town Hall tomorrow, Friday, June 5th at the Garfield Community Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event aims to strengthen community awareness, preparedness, and collaboration to prevent sex trafficking during the FIFA World Cup and beyond.

Learn more about The Silent Task Force at thesilenttaskforce.org.

Watch LaTanya’s full interview on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/mvr2nkvd

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Did you know that gun violence and gun-related injuries are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the US? As part of “Together We End Gun Violence Week” on The Pop-Up!, Eleuthera Lisch, the Director of King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) sat down with host The Big O to discuss her Office’s commitment to working alongside gun violence victims and survivors. 

As part of "Together We End Gun Violence Week," in partnership with ROGVP, watch Eleuthera’s full interview alongside Deaunte Damper and Ariana Donaville of ROGVP on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/EleutheraLisch 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Through unimaginable grief, Lonnisha Landry still finds her smile. Monday night on The Pop-Up!, Lonnisha, the founder of Just/Us Love Ones, spoke of her late son Xavier Landry and his love and light that has allowed her to keep smiling through incredible loss. 

Two years ago this summer, Xavier, a beloved friend, son, and brother, was killed in Auburn at the hands of gun violence. Today, Lonnisha has dedicated herself to supporting other survivors with her organization Just/Us Loves Ones, which provides therapeutic services for the siblings of murder victims.

“Yes, a piece of me has died, but I’m not dead,” she said. “I’m going to continue to live, I’m going to continue to live, and I’m going to continue to shed my light.”

As part of "Together We End Gun Violence Week," in partnership with the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention, watch Lonnisha’s full interview alongside Solace founder Jenine Lewis on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/SurvivorsThePopUp

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Tuesday afternoon, the City of Seattle will will officially proclaim Amarr Murphy-Paine Day at 2:00 p.m. at Seattle City Hall. Last week on The Pop-Up!, Amarr’s father and founder of Amarr’s Heart Foundation Arron Murphy-Paine sat down in the Black Media Matters Studio to discuss this monumental moment honoring his late son. 

Nearly two years ago, Amarr, a Garfield student and varsity football player, was killed while trying to break up an altercation on campus. Today, his bravery and legacy will be officially recognized by the City of Seattle, and it’s up to our community to show up. 

Today’s proclamation is open to the public at City Hall in Downtown Seattle at 2:00 p.m. As Arron said, “The whole goal is to fill up that hall with the love that Amarr put into this world.”

Watch Arron’s full interview on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/ArronMP

Amarr’s Heart Foundation is also hosting the first annual Chalk & Talk Event on June 4th and the Gun Violence Awareness Summit on June 5th, both at Garfield High School. Learn more on the Foundation’s Facebook page. 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Last week on The Pop-Up!, Ché Davis, the Financial Literacy Chair for the NAACP State Conference covering Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, dropped some weighted words in the Black Media Matters Studio: “I’m not going to ask my oppressors for freedom.”

Ché’s message came when discussing what communities can do to break the cycle of poverty and the "poverty mindset" within marginalized communities. In a world where the system consistently fails us, it’s up to us to band together in the name of finding solutions, he explained. 

Watch Ché’s full interview on The Pop-Up! at inyurl.com/CheDavis

The NAACP Alaska Oregon Washington State Area Conference is hosting a Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the World Trade Center Seattle, 2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 410. Get your tickets at tinyurl.com/NAACPLuncheon 

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms. 

Last week on The Pop-Up!, Wa Na Wari co-founder Elisheba Wokoma joined host The Big O in the Black Media Matters Studio to discuss the story of her organization (one part art gallery, one part anti-displacement strategy).

Watch Elisheba’s full interview alongside play director Jacqueline Ware on The Pop-Up! At tinyurl.com/ElishebaWokoma

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, Converge producer Juma Blaq from Portland, Oregon paid a visit to the Black Media Matters Studio where he touched on something deeply impactful: Black men’s mental health. His message was clear: normalize going to therapy and discussing trauma in the name of healing.

Juma Blaq is a dedicated visionary and producer whose unwavering commitment to community stewardship has provided a home base for Black culture and representation in the Rose City. We applaud him for his impact and dedication to telling better stories.

When it comes to protecting Black people, therapist and author Ashley McGirt-Adair keeps it real. Last night on The Pop-Up! with host The Big O, McGirt-Adair discussed the recent controversy around reality star Cheyenne Bryant’s academic credentials, saying that by falsely claiming to be a therapist on Black platforms, Bryant is harming Black people.

Learn more about Ashley McGirt-Adair at ashleymcgirt.com

There’s been some confusion about the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) spray-painting “Remove” on the iconic red, black, and green crosswalks in the CD. Last night on The Pop-Up!, The Big O cleared it up: SDOT is repainting the crosswalks, and “Remove” identifies which crosswalks will be touched up, not that the City is removing them for good.

India Irons, Executive Director of Fearless Dance Studio joined guest host Elisha Michelle on The Pop-Up! to share her journey of overcoming domestic violence and depression, and her studio's mission to empower youth through dance.

Beyond India's dedication to teaching dance to the next generation, Fearless Dance Studio focuses on helping kids discover their purpose and value, providing support to overcome challenges like suicide and depression, and building confidence and a fearless spirit in every student.

You can keep up with Fearless Dance Studio at livefearlessdancestudio.com

Cloé Luv a best-selling author, business and branding coach, and content creator, joined The Big O on The Pop-Up! last week where she discussed her experience navigating a divorce and her son’s autism diagnosis while building her brand. Her latest book, Step Into Your Celebrity Energy, is all about leaning into the magnetic force of alignment between your true essence, your voice, and your visibility.

Learn more about Luv’s work at stepintoyourcelebrityenergy.com.

Before legal analyst and podcaster Angela Rye joined tens of thousands of others marching for civil rights in Montgomery, Alabama for All Roads Lead to the South, she stopped by the Black Media Matters Studio to tell us that only 10% of Montgomery’s population participated in the bus boycott that successfully secured the right for Black people to sit where they chose on buses, according to her Native Land Pod co-host Andrew Gillum.

For Rye, the current power of unified action is the key to making a mighty blow. “We have always been a powerful people,” she said.

Check out all things Angela Rye at angelarye.com