Tucked behind a fluorescent mural of fruits and beaches is Taste of the Caribbean and Red Lounge, a vibrant restaurant and bar committed to bringing authentic Jamaican culture to Seattle’s Central District. 

#SupportBlackBusiness - Stephanie Morales is looking to fight gentrification through community ownership. Her business, Made Space Seattle, is a local event and art space rooted in support for Black creatives. Originally an artist herself, Morales has taken on the role of manager, fundraiser, program coordinator, and everything in between — often falling back on her artist income to keep the business running.

About 200 people, including prominent community and religious leaders and elected officials, attended the event. Among them were Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Seattle City Councilmembers Joy Hollingsworth and Mark Solomon, State Representative Chipalo Street, former Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best, and leaders from the Seattle School District, including Dr. Brent Jones and Dr. Sarah Pritchard. Additionally, several religious leaders, including Bishop Weatherspoon, Pastor Carey G. Anderson, and several ministers from the Church of God in Christ, were present to show their support.

In a significant victory for members of the Seattle Black Fire Fighters Association (SBFFA), a King County Superior Court judge ruled today that the defendants are in contempt of court and will be sanctioned for illegally selling the SBFFA's historic house and excluding its founding members like Chief Claude Harris..

The Mount Calvary Christian Center, a landmark in Seattle's Central District, is slated for demolition in early February. The property was purchased in June 2021 by Gardner Global and Partners, with plans to develop an eight-story mixed-income housing building.

Members of the Seattle Black Firefighters Association (SBFFA) gathered at the King County Superior Court House in Kent today hoping for a ruling on the Association's house they say was illegally sold. 

A passionate plea for justice and the preservation of Black heritage echoed through Seattle's Central District yesterday as members of the Seattle Black Fire Fighters Association (SBFFA) rallied in front of their former house. The gathering was a call to action, raising awareness about the Association's fight to reclaim the house they say was illegally sold and to galvanize support ahead of a crucial court date next week.

By Besa Gordon - I’ve been wanting to try this spot for a minute, especially after featuring it on Back2Besa. Since I wasn’t at that shoot, I had to check it out for myself and see what all the hype was about!

A somber mood settled over Seattle's Central District today as Jackson's Catfish Corner, a culinary landmark and community pillar, served its last meal. The unexpected announcement came this morning via owner Terrell Jackson's Instagram post, leaving patrons and community members stunned and saddened. The line outside the door, filled with people wanting to say their goodbyes and get one last taste of Jackson's famous catfish, spoke volumes about the restaurant's impact.

The tragic death of Amarr Murphy-Paine on June 6th cast a long shadow over the Garfield High School community. A peacemaker by nature, Amarr's life was tragically cut short as he intervened in a fight, just months before his 18th birthday. On the day that would have marked his entry into adulthood, friends, family, and the community gathered on the steps of Garfield High, mere feet from where he was killed, to celebrate Amarr's life, his legacy, and the enduring power of love in the face of tragedy.

Kwanzaa Lights at Wa Na Wari kicked off with “Dream Nightmare” by Martine Syms, part of her Kita’s World series exploring race, technology, and everyday performances. Visitors took in the outdoor light experience by Tariq Sahali while enjoying hot cocoa and sweets at the historic, Black-owned home.

Our cameras were rolling yesterday when the Seattle Black Fire Fighters Association were holding a press conference on 23rd and E. Pike when they were confronted by a woman who claims to be the new owner of the property.

Seattle, a city known for its rich musical heritage, has recently unveiled the Jackson Street Jazz Trail, a self-guided walking tour that celebrates the vibrant jazz scene that once thrived in the city's historic district. The trail, which winds its way through the heart of Seattle's Jackson Street area, offers visitors a glimpse into the past, highlighting the musicians, clubs, and cultural landmarks that shaped the city's jazz legacy.

On Dec. 11, 2024, staff and community members gathered at A 4 Apple Learning Center to celebrate the school’s third anniversary on 23rd and Jackson and its receipt of a grant from the Hazel Danielle Clayton (HDC) Foundation.

By Deaunte Damper - Alright y'all, let's dive deeper into this Kiki ballroom scene, a place where community, growth, and expression collide. I had the chance to chop it up with some key figures in the scene, and let me tell you, their insights were powerful.

Seattle's Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute recently pulsed with the rhythm and energy of Kutt N' Up's 20th-anniversary celebration. The event highlighted the profound impact this dance group has had on Seattle's youth and the broader dance community. Co-founders Dwayne Jackson and Koach Giggz (Koach Crosby) sat down for an interview, reflecting on their remarkable journey and the enduring legacy of Kutt N' Up.

Converge Media proudly re-releases "The Legacy of the Soul Pole" a captivating short documentary originally released in 2022, chronicling the restoration of this iconic artwork, which has graced the exterior of The Seattle Public Library’s Douglass-Truth Branch in the Central District for over 50 years. This film delves into the rich cultural significance of the Soul Pole, a symbol that the Black Heritage Society of Washington State has hailed as a “beacon of Black pride” in the Central District.

Wa Na Wari's annual Walk the Block event once again brought the Central District to life, showcasing a celebration of Black art, culture, and community spirit. The two-day gathering invited attendees to explore the historic neighborhood, experiencing diverse art installations and live performances along every block.

Besa Gordon, host of Back2Besa, joined Erin Mayovsky on Good Day Seattle this morning to preview an upcoming segment on Africatown Plaza, a new affordable housing development in Seattle's Central District. Gordon, who is from the Central District, spoke about the importance of the project, which will provide 126 affordable units and retail space in a neighborhood that has seen significant gentrification in recent years.

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.