#BlackVoicesMatter - Recently, the Seattle Association of Black Journalists hosted their fourth annual Beyond The Byline event which celebrates the impacts of legendary Black Journalists in the city and provides an opportunity for community members and peers to connect and learn. Hosted this year at the Rainier Arts Center, this year marked the first time the event has been open to the public after previously being hosted in our #BlackMediaMatters Studio.

“Black voices do matter, and it’s important for the public to hear those voices,” Legendary Seattle reporter Essex Porter said. “It’s also important for those voices to hear and see that someone cares and wants to amplify them.”

The panel was moderated by Independent Journalist and Media Consultant Kevin Henry and featured South Seattle Emerald Editor-At-Large Lola E. Peters, Seattle Times Communities Reporter Tat Bellamy-Walker, and KNKX Special Projects Reporter Mayowa Aina. 

“We head from journalists that have done some pretty difficult stories that require winning the trust of people in difficult situations,” Legendary Seattle reporter Essex Porter said. “It was great to hear about how they approached it.”

For Bellamy, the event was about the importance of Black storytellers in Seattle and walking people through the journalistic process. 

“It’s important for Black journalists to have a space where they can talk about the issues that they’re experiencing in the field and in their reporting process, and also a space where they are uplifted and amplified,” Bellamy said.

SABJ President Jerry Brewer said that the decision to do a panel event this year was made to bring the community into the room and see the ways information is reported and dispersed. 

Back2Besa Host Besa Gordon was there to connect with her peers and bask in the presence of greatness - you can see more in the segment. Tune in to Back2Besa this Saturday at a special time of 11:30 pm after the news on FOX 13 and Sunday at 10 am on FOX 13+ for more great stories.