Besa Gordon Proudly Presents: Facing the Reign: The Jessa Thomas Story on FOX 13 Seattle

Tune in on August 25th at 6 pm on FOX 13 Seattle and the FOX Local App for the premiere of 'Facing The Reign,' the inspiring story of Jessa Thomas, Washington State's first Black Rodeo Queen.

By Besa Gordon - It’s finally time to face the reign! A few months back, we announced the second film I’ve had the pleasure to executively produce called Facing Reign, which is a story that focuses on Jessa Thomas, Washington State's first Black Rodeo Queen. Because I needed to take a break to let my skin heal, we also put a pause on the production and edits. WELL, the film is officially done, and I’m so thankful to my team and Jessa for being patient with me while I took time on my healing journey to be able to give this film my 100% dedication. 

As the executive producer of "Facing the Reign", I'm incredibly excited to share Jessa Thomas's remarkable story with you. And let me tell you, this film isn't just about rodeo; it's about breaking barriers, embracing identity, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or what they look like.

When Stephanie Johnson-Toliver from the Black Heritage Society of Washington State first told me about  Jessa, the first African American Miss Teen Rodeo Washington, I was immediately inspired. Her passion for animals, her dedication to the rodeo, and her commitment to using her platform 'Be YOU-tiful' to amplify representation for diverse communities resonated deeply with me. I knew that her story needed to be told. Mind you, she’s only 17-years-old.

"Facing the Reign" is more than just a film; it's a testament to the power of representation and the importance of pursuing your passions. Jessa's journey cascades a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't belong or that their dreams were out of reach.

I'm so grateful to Converge Media for their unwavering commitment to sharing stories like Jessa's. And I'm incredibly proud of the work that our talented director, Winfield Ezell Jr., who is a seasoned filmmaker with a portfolio that includes his work as a producer on Converge Media films Sankofa Theater Inscape Finale and as a director on Reconciliation Tour, where Winfield earned an Emmy Nomination. Without our talented team of filmmakers we would have never been able to truly bring this story to life.

This film is something I knew needed to reach the masses and inspire the next little BIack girl who wants to be a cowgirl. For me, it’s essential for them to not only see Jessa but also hear from Jessa. That is why I made sure this film would also air on FOX 13 Seattle to share it with our city and beyond. I hope that "Facing the Reign" will inspire you to embrace your uniqueness, pursue your dreams, and make a difference in the world.

With that being said, tune in and support ya girl and Jessa this Sunday, August 25th, at 6 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle for the premiere of this powerful film. 

-Besa Gordon