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 the Corporate Grind to the Vine: How Jamila Conley is Transforming the Wine Industry

Jamila Conley spent over two decades in the tech industry, but her true passion lay in the world of wine. That passion was ignited when Jamila attended a celebration of Black women winemakers, an event that would ultimately inspire her to leave the corporate grind behind and embark on a new venture.

Read More

Giving Tuesday Spotlight: Destiny Wimpye's Mission to Empower the Next Generation

Destiny Wimpye, a professional ballet dancer and passionate advocate for social change, joined The Day With Trae to discuss her foundation's work and the importance of Giving Tuesday. Wimpye emphasized her commitment to empowering underserved communities and encouraged viewers to support her foundation's initiatives on this global day of generosity. During the interview, she also shared insights into her journey as a dancer and her vision for creating a more equitable society.

Read More
The Day With Trae, Black Excellence Rayjaun Stelly The Day With Trae, Black Excellence Rayjaun Stelly

Bishop Gwendolyn Phillips Coates: A Multifaceted Trailblazer

Bishop Gwendolyn Phillips Coates is a dynamic force in ministry, entrepreneurship, and the arts. As the Senior Pastor of God Answers Prayer Ministries of Los Angeles and a high-ranking official within the Greater Church of Deliverance, Inc., she provides spiritual guidance and leadership to a wide-reaching congregation. Her influence extends beyond the pulpit, as she is a sought-after consultant, instructor, and author.

Read More

Philip "Sharp Skills" Jacobs: A Multifaceted Talent Making His Mark

Philip "Sharp Skills" Jacobs is a dynamic force in the entertainment industry and beyond. As an actor, entrepreneur, speaker, and author, he embodies the spirit of a modern-day renaissance man. Currently captivating audiences in the powerful role of Private First Class Melvin Peterson in "A Soldier's Play," Jacobs brings depth and intensity to the character originally portrayed by Denzel Washington.

Read More

Isaiah Ruffin on The Day With Trae: Co-Owner of Pizza By Ruffin, Speaks On Opening The First Black Owned Pizzeria in Washington State

Co-Owner of Pizza By Ruffin, Isaiah Ruffin sits down on The Day With Trae guest host Deontay Damper, to have a conversation on being the first black owned pizzeria in Washington State

Read More

Franchesca Vargas on The Day with Trae: Discussing Her Eye For Talent and Passion For Uplifting Underrepresented Voices through Elevate PR Management

Business owner Franchesca Vargas joins The Day with Trae to have a conversation with guest host Deontay Damper, discussing her PR management company Elevate’s mission is to empower and amplify the voices of local businesses, artist, community organizations and black/brown led nonprofits through exceptional PR and event planning services.

Read More

Back2Besa Drops Season 2 Commercial Highlighting Black Businesses In The Central District

Written by: Besa Gordon - Can you say, new season, new commercial, and this one is with my people from Communion, Re-Sole 206, Jerk Shack Kitchen, and Art Noir. Last month, I posted some BTS photos of me shooting a new commercial for Back2Besa with the FOX 13 Seattle production team at Midtown Square in the Central District, and I can now finally share it with you all.

Read More

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

By Besa Gordon - 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.

Read More

Besa Gordon Shares Her Excitement About Being Honored at PDX Hip-Hop Week 2024

By Besa Gordon - PDX Hip-Hop Week is officially here, and I’m so excited to be honored this year with the Hip-Hop Wine and Chill with the Radio and TV Personality Trailblazer Award. But that’s not all! Omari Salisbury, CEO and Co-Founder of Converge is getting the Impact Leadership Award.

Read More

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
The Day With Trae, Trae Holiday, Black Excellence Emma Schwichtenberg The Day With Trae, Trae Holiday, Black Excellence Emma Schwichtenberg

Converge Media Internship: A Student's Perspective

Mikayla Weary, a film major at Dillard University in New Orleans, shares her insightful experience as a production intern at Converge Media. Working on The Day With Trae, Mikayla found the internship to be an invaluable hands-on learning opportunity. Unlike traditional film school, which often focuses heavily on theoretical knowledge, this internship allowed her to dive straight into the field.

Read More

Celebrating Family, Legacy, and Community: A Successful Book Signing and Documentary Screening

Mount Zion Baptist Church has been the spiritual and cultural fabric that knits my family’s history to Seattle, spanning back six generations. On July 20th, I had the opportunity to honor this legacy by hosting my very first book signing and documentary screening at this historic church.

Read More

Transforming Trauma into Triumph: Mike Ford's Journey to Championing Black Men's Mental Wellness

YOUniversal FIT Studio, with the support of a $10,000 grant from the Tacoma Black Fund, is launching "Men Uplift," a groundbreaking program dedicated to the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of Black men. This initiative is spearheaded by Mike Ford, whose personal journey from emotional abuser to advocate has inspired this critical program.

Read More

PHOTOS: The Summer of Soul Series and Black Wall Street Market 2024

On Monday, Africantown Community Land Trust held its annual Black Wall Street Market, which is part of the Summer of Soul Series. This year’s event brought life to the streets of 23rd and Jackson, where over 100 Black businesses gathered to celebrate and honor the rich history of thriving Black commercial centers throughout the country. T

Read More
Black Excellence, Susan Fried Besa Gordon Black Excellence, Susan Fried Besa Gordon

Honoring a Legacy: The Rededication of Powell S. Barnett's Portrait

On April 27, 2024, a heartfelt gathering took place at Leschi in Seattle, where more than 20 family descendants of Powell S. Barnett, along with school officials and community members, gathered to rededicate his portrait. This event not only honored Barnett's remarkable life but also highlighted his enduring impact on the community.

Read More
Lorcan Stokes, Black Excellence Lorcan Stokes Lorcan Stokes, Black Excellence Lorcan Stokes

Media Meets Majesty: Justine Baker Miss Black Washington Eyes National Crown

As a digital reporter and producer, Justine Baker has made her mark in the media landscape. As the on-camera host of FOX 13's I've Been Influenced, she highlights the online journeys of content creators and influential social media figures. An author, she’s written books like Major Tips for the Micro-Influencer, a guide to the ins and outs of social media, where she taught everything from online influencing to branding techniques for businesses. Earlier this year, she achieved another milestone—being crowned Miss Black Washington. 

Read More