We’re dedicated to continuing our work but we can’t do it alone. Please consider supporting our mission to cover critical issues in the Pacific Northwest from the street level.

 

 BLOG

 

From Diverse Flavors to Creative Expression: The First Winners of Back2Besa’s Black Business Uplift

August is National Black Business Month, and we're excited to announce the first round of winners for the Back2Besa Black Business Uplift! Congratulations to Luam, Davis, and Kay! We can’t wait to share your stories soon on Back2Besa.

Read More

Celebrating National Black Business Month: A Time to Uplift and Support

Do you know of a Black-owned business in the Pacific Northwest that deserves recognition? We want to hear from you! Nominate your favorite business today and tell us why you think they should be featured. August is National Black Business Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of Black-owned businesses across the United States. This annual observance, established in 2004, serves as a reminder of the resilience, innovation, and economic impact of Black entrepreneurs.

Read More

Beau Legs Fish N' Chips Brings A Taste Of The South To Lacey, Washington

Have you heard of Beau Legs Fish and Chips in Lacey, Washington? The family-owned restaurant has been serving the community for the last 15 years and is going strong. Serving staples like jambalaya, grits, gumbo and more, Beau Legs uses family recipes to bring soul food to Lacey.

Read More

Learn To Make Halloween Themed Cocktails With Ashaunti Martin-Smith and Couture Cocktails

It’s Halloween and businesses across Seattle are getting in the spirit of the Holiday. Couture Cocktails 206 and owner Ashaunti Martin hosted a Halloween Cocktail making class at Made Space earlier this month, and Back2Besa Host Besa Gordon was there to tap in and #SupportBlackBusiness.

Read More

Walk The Block Connects Artists, Community in the Central District and Beyond

#WalkTheBlock - Our Community Queen of Converge, Trae Holiday, tapped in at Wa Na Wari’s Walk The Block on last Saturday. The annual event brings artists together with the community to showcase their work and spread creative energy while celebrating the joy and beauty that is present within the Central District and beyond.

Read More

The Re-Sole 206 Opens First Retail Location Bringing Sneaker Care to the Central District

Converge Queens connected at Takiyah “TDUB” Ward’s soft opening of her brand new Re-Sole retail shop on E Union street as Trae Holiday joined her to speak about the milestone. The shop specializes in custom sneaker painting, dry-cleaning, and more and has become known as one of the top sneaker care shops in Seattle.

Read More

Get Active and Learn to Workout at Home with Besa Gordon and Fitness Coach Adaeze Medani

Back2Besa host Besa Gordon stopped by SpoonFed Training in Renton to tap in with Fitness Coach Adaeze Medani and showcase some ways you can stay in shape as well as the natural methods she uses. Medani and Gordon went through a workout which can be done in the fitness studio or at home, and you can follow along and try out some of the exercises they did.

Read More

Creative Justice Giveback Gets Youth Ready For School

Last week, Besa Gordon checked in from the Creative Justice Back To School Giveback at Washington Hall. The event featured donations of clothing, school supplies, shoes and more as kids got ready to head back to school for the 2023-24 school year.

Read More

The Poetry Experience Celebrates 25 Years of Uplifting Black Writers

Seattle’s The Poetry Experience celebrated their 25th anniversary earlier this month, marking a quarter-century of sharing, creating, and community building. Founded by Rajnii Gibson-Eddins, The Poetry Experience consists of workshops and held space for people to come together and explore the power of the written word. The celebration took place at Blue Cone Studios, bringing together poets like Monique Franklin, Ebo, Roberto Ascalon and more.

Read More

#TravelingWhileBlack - Top Fall Activities in Washington State

Looking for something to do this weekend? Anthony and Marlie Love of Traveling While Black have you covered. In their segment on Back2Besa, they told us about four great fall activities you can do around Washington State and beyond.

Read More

Trae Holiday Highlights Black-Owned Businesses at Tacoma’s Hilltop Street Fair

Our Community Queen @traeholiday was out at Tacoma’s Hilltop Street Fair, which features art, vendors, music and more. While there, she caught up with Black-owned businesses like Intentions Juice Bar (@intentionsjuicebar), Chain of Seasonings (@chainofseasonings) and more.

Read More

Channing Frye's Chosen Family Wines Brings Flair, Opportunity to Oregon's Wine Scene

What’s former NBA Champion Channing Frye up to now? We headed down to Portland to find out. Besa Gordon caught up with the hooper-turned-winemaker to hear about Chosen Family Wines and the way he’s turned his passion for wine into a business.

Read More