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.

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.

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.

Umoja Fest 2024 was a celebration of Black culture, creativity, and community spirit in Seattle's Central District. One of the highlights of the festival was the parade, a spectacular showcase of Black pride and heritage.

The Facts Newspaper, a cornerstone of Seattle's Black community, has been in publication since the 1960s. Founded by Fitzgerald Beaver, The Facts was created to fill the gap left by the daily paper and to center the Black experience in Seattle.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

"We Live In Color" is back with another fantastic guest this week! Host Deaunte Damper returns with an exciting new episode featuring community organizer and comedian Vee Moree. In this episode, Moree shares her background, journey to the 206, and a major upcoming life change.

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.

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. 

On Friday, February 23, Young Black Homeowners (YBH), partnering with the African American Leadership Forum (AALFWA), hosted the second Black Equity Ball. This red-carpet affair was created to honor the journey of current and future black homeowners as they embark on the experience of gaining first-time homeownership. The event showcased DJing, musical performances, vendors, a champagne toast, and a dinner catered by That Brown Girl Cooks! that set the tone for the evening. 

Northwest Tap Connection held their biannual fundraisers “Hard Times Require Furious Dancing,” at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute on December 8th and 9th. The sold-out shows featured performances by current and past students, instructors, a group of roller skaters, and a singer. In addition to the performances, audience members could check out an exhibit featuring photos, art, and artifacts “designed to educate the observers about the Black experience of music, song, and dance.”

De’Aira Anderson engages in cross-departmental collaboration with various departments including corporate partnerships, hockey operations, and the executive office to tell meaningful stories that challenge the status quo in hockey and beyond.

Spectrum Dance Theater School Director Stephanie Guiland works to ensure every student has access to quality dance instruction and provides an outlet to youth who otherwise may be unsure how to express themselves. She’s been in her current position with the school since 2021, but worked alongside Artistic Director Donald Byrd as a guest instructor prior.