The 2024 Spokane NAACP Freedom Fund Gala, held at the DoubleTree Hilton in downtown Spokane, was an unforgettable evening that celebrated community excellence, Black excellence, and the power of unity in the ongoing fight for social justice.

Just wanted to give you a quick update from my whirlwind journey to Kenya. After a long day of travel (Seattle to JFK, JFK to Nairobi, and finally Nairobi to Mombasa!), I've finally arrived in beautiful Mombasa. The 11-hour time difference is a bit of a doozy, but I'm so excited to be here.

For the second consecutive year, Converge Media and Back2Besa were honored to collaborate with Trap Kitchen PDX, JAM'N 107.5, Jus Family Records, and other incredible community organizations. Together, we provided a heartwarming Thanksgiving dinner, essential hygiene supplies, and other services to our Rose City neighbors in need.

Yesterday, Besa Gordon, the dynamic host of Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle, sat down with Erin Mayovsky of Good Day Seattle to offer a sneak peek into this weekend's episode. The focus? The Spokane NAACP Freedom Fund Gala, an event that left a lasting impression on Gordon and attendees alike.

The night was filled with powerful speeches, inspiring performances, and a palpable sense of community. Hill Harper's keynote address was particularly moving, reminding us that "unity is not just a word, it's our weapon." His words resonated deeply with me, and I left the event feeling more empowered and motivated than ever to fight for social justice.

Terrain, the region's largest multimedia art and music event, recently celebrated its 15th year, showcasing a vibrant array of artistic expression. Ginger Ewing, Terrain co-founder, shared her insights on Terrain's impact and its significance for the local community.

A powerful story of community and resilience unfolded as Besa Gordon visited the “This is East Central” mural at the Carl Maxey Center in Spokane.

Get ready to embark on an exciting journey to Spokane, Washington, in the latest episode of Back2Besa! Host Besa Gordon takes you East of the mountains to delve into the heart of the city's thriving Black community, showcasing its rich history, culture, and undeniable resilience.

The Back2Besa crew is hitting the road again and heading back to Spokane, Washington, on October 4th and 5th. We can’t wait to connect with the flourishing Black community in Spokane and share more of the amazing stories and events happening in the city. While in Spokane, we’re attending the Terrain Art Festival Pop-Up, stopping by East Central Spokane, and, of course, Besa Gordon’s favorite, eating good food.

Besa Gordon recently attended the 2024 Eczema Expo in Denver, an event that proved to be a turning point in her journey with eczema and Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). The expo provided a platform for Besa to connect with a supportive community and gain valuable insights into managing her chronic skin condition.

We recently caught up with Portland's own Hip-Hop legend, Cool Nutz, a true force in the music scene.l Cool Nutz has been making waves since his early days. Cool Nutz's journey began in the underground, where he honed his skills in basement studios and local venues. His unique sound and unwavering passion quickly gained recognition, propelling him from the local scene to international stages. He has toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia, spreading his music and representing Portland with pride.

On a buzzing Friday night, Portland's Roseland Theater was the epicenter of an electrifying atmosphere, hosting a sold-out concert featuring the legendary Too Short and Portland's very own Cool Nutz. The lineup was stellar, with Mikey Vegas, Juma Blaq, DJ Fatboy, and Bad Habit setting the stage on fire, creating an unforgettable night for the city's live music aficionados.

Robbie Ray, Seattle’s second pitcher in the rotation, is looking to “bounce back” from a tough moment in the ALDS against Houston. Ray will look to continue his efficient pitching and fanning hitters for the Mariners in the second year of his contract, they look to have the best rotation in all of baseball.