Back2Besa Goes National with Central District Celebration
Press play to see a what happed at the launch.
Seattle's rising star, Besa Gordon, marked a major milestone in her career with the national debut of her show, "Back2Besa," on FOX SOUL yesterday afternoon. The celebration kicked off with a vibrant premiere party at Metier Brewing Company on Cherry Street, in the heart of the Central District – the very neighborhood where Gordon grew up.
"It was very intentional for us to do the launch of this show in the Central District and to also be able to do it on Cherry Street, which is actually where I grew up," Gordon shared. "That's my home. That's where I'm comfortable at."
The event was a testament to Gordon's deep roots in the community and her unwavering commitment to showcasing stories from the Pacific Northwest. Friends, family, and colleagues from the Converge Media family, including Takiyah Ward and Deaunte Damper gathered to celebrate Gordon's success.
Takiyah Ward, host of Art of the Matter on Converge Media, expressed her admiration for Gordon's journey: "It's really beautiful to be able to see her get her flowers. She is a living proof of what it means to be determined and see a thing through."
Deaunte Damper, the host of We Live In Color on Converge Media, echoed Ward's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Gordon's work in amplifying Black voices: "We are not only telling the stories, but we are given an extended hand for [the] community to see exactly why we matter."
Angela Poe Russell, the original executive producer for Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle when it launched nearly 18 months ago, reflected on the collaborative effort that brought "Back2Besa" to life: "Besa was so passionate about uplifting black businesses, so I feel like it's perfect that she's celebrating the launch of her show right here at this business in Seattle’s Central district."
Also in the building were Back2Besa contributors Ground Zero Radio, whose youth empowerment stories have been placed in Back2Besa each month for a year now
Expanding the Narrative: Back2Besa on Fox Soul vs. Fox 13
While "Back2Besa" has been a staple on FOX 13 Seattle, its expansion to FOX SOUL brings a new dimension to the show's reach and storytelling.
Gordon explained the distinction: "The FOX SOUL show is literally our most beautiful stories. It is our most significant stories. It's our most impactful stories, things that people can relate to all across the country. Our FOX 13 Seattle show is more so centered on what's really happening around here in the Pacific Northwest."
This strategic approach allows "Back2Besa" to cater to both local and national audiences, highlighting hyperlocal events and initiatives on FOX 13 Seattle while presenting universally resonant stories on FOX SOUL.
A Proud Moment for the Pacific Northwest
The national debut of "Back2Besa" is a source of immense pride for Gordon and the entire Pacific Northwest community. As Gordon put it, "I feel like the Pacific Northwest is finally going to be represented in the way that we've always wanted to be represented."
The premiere party, filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of accomplishment, was a fitting tribute to Gordon's vision, her unwavering dedication, and the vibrant community that has embraced her journey. It was a night to remember, marking not just a personal achievement for Gordon but a collective victory for the Pacific Northwest.
With "Back2Besa" now reaching a national audience, the nation is getting a glimpse of the stories, the people, and the spirit that make the Pacific Northwest unique. And this is just the beginning. As Gordon confidently stated, "We're just getting started."
You can catch Back2Besa Northwest Edition
Saturdays at 10:30 pm on FOX13 Seattle
Sundays at 10 am on FOX13+
FOX Local App
Back2Besa National Edition
Saturdays at 4 pm PST / 7 pm EST on FOX SOUL
FOX SOUL App
Keep with Besa by following her at @BesaGordon and @Back2BesaTV and online at www.WhereWeConverge.com/back2besa
Photos by Susan Fried on behalf of Converge Media