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PHOTOS: Trae Holiday Brings EMMY Home to the Central District
Trae Holiday, along with her fellow Emmy winners, brought their historic win back to its roots in the Central District, returning to the exact location where her award-winning video was filmed. This wasn't simply a celebratory gesture; it was a powerful statement. The return of the Emmy to the CD served as a vibrant symbol of Black Joy, alive and well in a community with a rich and storied past.
Seattle Storm Community Comes Together for Annual Toy Drive
The Seattle Storm recently held their 11th annual Toy Drive benefiting Seattle Children's. It was a meaningful event, and a great display of the generosity of Storm fans who donated new, unwrapped toys during the May 30th game against the Atlanta Dream.
Real People. Real Stories. Real Impact. That’s Team TellsYa
Seattle has a lot of stories to tell—and Team TellsYa is here to make sure they’re heard, seen, and felt. Led by the ever-energetic Mark TellsYa, this crew isn’t just about filming content. They’re building connections, uplifting local businesses, and showing love to the culture that makes the Pacific Northwest special.
Trae Holiday's Emmy Win: A Journey of Black Joy and Community
Trae Holiday’s Emmy win last night is more than just an award; it’s a testament to the power of community, authenticity, and the unwavering commitment to storytelling integrity. The win, recognized at the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Northwest (NATASNW) gala for “The Day With Trae Show Intro” sparked a wave of joy and reflection on her journey.
More Than Lifting: The Heartbeat of Community at Bull Stewart's Gym
In the heart of Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood sits Bull Stewart’s Gym—a sanctuary where strength training meets soul work. This isn’t just a place to lift weights. It’s a hub for transformation, community connection, and generational empowerment.
More Than Movies: How Pickford Film Center Builds Community in Bellingham
Nestled in downtown Bellingham, Pickford Film Center isn’t just a theater—it’s a movement. As the only art house cinema open 365 days a year between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., Pickford stands as a cultural cornerstone dedicated to telling powerful stories, supporting underrepresented filmmakers, and fostering connection through film.
Is Your Dating Style Actually Blocking Real Connection? Debrena Says It Might Be
In her latest Love Lab segment on Back2Besa, relationship coach Debrena Jackson Gandy delivers a powerful reality check: most of us aren’t actually getting to know the people we’re dating—we’re just measuring them against a checklist.
Altha’s Louisiana Cajun Store: Bringing Authentic Southern Flavors and Community to Kent
#SupportBlackBusiness - Reginald Robinson founded Altha’s Louisiana Cajun Store, located in downtown Kent, in 2016 with a vision to bring authentic Southern products to the Seattle area. Naming the store after his mother, he aimed to create more than just a business; he wanted a "home away from home" for his customers.
Mark TellsYa Uplifts Rising Voices on Good Day Seattle
Seattle-based social media influencer and content creator Mark TellsYa joined Erin Mayovsky on Good Day Seattle. Mark, known for using his platform to uplift businesses and support community projects, shared insights into his world of content creation and highlighted a significant event: the 11th annual Rising Voices competition.
Mark TellsYa Takes the Helm: This Week on Back2Besa
Hey, Back2Besa family! This week, we've got a special treat for you. While Besa enjoys a well-deserved break, the dynamic Mark TellsYa steps into the host's chair for an episode packed with the vibrant energy and stories of the Pacific Northwest. Get ready for a journey through community, culture, and creativity!
The Color Purple Hits the Stage with Soul, Power & Purpose at Village Theatre
Village Theatre’s new production of The Color Purple is more than a musical — it’s an emotional journey brought to life through rich harmonies, gospel roots, and a cast that feels like family.
Celebrating Youth Voices: The 11th Annual Rising Voices Showcase by Speak With Purpose
The power of youth storytelling will take center stage at the upcoming 11th Annual Rising Voices Oratory Showcase & Celebration, hosted by Speak With Purpose (SWP). The event, which amplifies the voices of young scholars across King County, will be held on Saturday, June 14 at the Seattle Museum of Flight. Preliminaries were Saturday, May 31, and the showcase is free and open to the public.
Spice with Purpose: Qemem Hot Sauce Brings Ethiopian Flavor to the Table
If you're someone who appreciates heat with flavor, Qemem Hot Sauce is a brand worth knowing. Recently featured on Back2Besa, Qemem founder Embeba sat down with Besa Gordon to share the story behind her bold, flavorful hot sauces that celebrate culture, community, and culinary creativity.
Drawn to Heal: Jenefeness Franke Talks Softness, Self-Love & the Power of a Healed Girl Summer
In an intimate and powerful Back2Besa interview, Besa Gordon sat down with author, speaker, and coach Jenefeness Franke to dive into her newest book Drawn To You—a heartfelt guide to healing, self-discovery, and feminine energy.
Rena Butler on Breaking Boundaries, Staying Curious, and Creating “Cracks” at Pacific Northwest Ballet
When choreographer and dancer Rena Butler flew into Seattle fresh off a birthday trip to France, she came with more than just jet lag—she arrived with purpose, power, and a new production in the works for Pacific Northwest Ballet's Director’s Choice series. Besa Gordon sat down with Rena for an intimate conversation about life, legacy, and her upcoming piece titled Cracks.
Lex Scope Takes Over Back2Besa — Uplifts Seattle Film Commission on Good Day Seattle
With Besa Gordon out this week, creative multi-hyphenate Lex Scope is stepping in to guest host Back2Besa—and he made his Good Day Seattle debut to talk all about what he’s bringing to the show.
The Griot Party Experience Returns for a Powerful Juneteenth Celebration in Seattle
When Juneteenth rolls around, Seattle will once again feel the electric energy of community, creativity, and culture thanks to the Griot Party Experience. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Broadway Performance Theater, this free event is more than just a celebration—it's a full-on unity experience.
Debrena Jackson Gandy Talks About Why Your “Perfect Man” List Isn’t Working
In a recent segment of The Love Lab with Debrena on Back2Besa, relationship coach Debrena Jackson Gandy dives deep into a concept many women are familiar with: “The List.” You know the one—tall, successful, attractive, ambitious. But according to Debrena, that list might be doing more harm than good.
Lex Scope Grabs The Mic: A Sneak Peek at This Week's Episode of Back2Besa
Get ready, Back2Besa fans! This week, the incredibly talented Lex Scope is stepping in as guest host, filling in for Besa Gordon. Lex Scope, originally from North Carolina and now a 12-year Washington resident, is a multifaceted creative force: a cinematographer, producer, movie lover, and community curator.
Goody Cutz: A Lakewood Barbershop Combines Local Charm with Global Ambition
Stationed on the main strip of South Tacoma Way, Goody Cutz Barber and Beauty, owned by Jahara Miller, brings local perspective with boundless aspirations to the Lakewood community.