Members of the Seattle Association of Black Journalists (SABJ) gathered at the Rainier Arts Center in 2023 for an open conversation focused on the importance of Black storytellers and the unique challenges they face in the media industry. The event, attended by Back2Besa host Besa Gordon, was part of the annual "Black Voices Matter" initiative, featuring a panel discussion where journalists walked the public through their professional processes. 

Panelists Tat Bellamy-Walker, Jerry Brewer, and Lola E. Peters explored the complexities of the journalistic process, highlighting the need for dedicated spaces where Black journalists can discuss field experiences and feel uplifted. Participants engaged in candid dialogue about navigating the critical relationship between writers and editors, particularly when maintaining the integrity of a story's voice during the editing process. 

On March 14th, 2026, veteran journalist and genre-bending talent Angela Poe Russell is set to headline the annual SABJ Black Voices Matter Showcase, offering the community an exclusive preview of her original musical, “Aviatrix.”

Click here to get your tickets today. 

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