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.

September was Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and each year, the KD Hall Foundation holds their annual Resilient Hearts: Sickle Cell Education & Blood Donation, where community members are not only able to get educated on the effects of Sickle Cell but also donate blood to those in need with the disease. 

Homelessness continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing Seattle and King County, with African Americans disproportionately affected. Despite making up less than 7% of the population, nearly 30% of those experiencing homelessness in the area are Black. Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT), a community-based organization rooted in Seattle’s Central District, is taking bold steps to change this narrative.

Besa Gordon gives a behind-the-scenes look at her shoot with FOX 13 Seattle for a new upcoming Back2Besa commercial.

Over the weekend, Chardonnay Beaver partnered with the Central District Community Preservation & Development Authority for a screening of her documentary “Fulfilling The Promise: The Rise. The Fall. The Promise” at the McKinney Center. The 90-minute film explores the rich history and cultural impact of Seattle’s Central District, focusing on the activism of Reverend Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney and the legacy of Mount Zion Baptist Church, which has been connected to Beaver's family for six generations.