Host Spotlight: Trae Holiday Brings Her Passion For Community To Her Work Both In And Out Of The Studio
Trae Holiday got her start with Converge Media in the company’s early stages, working alongside Founder Omari Salisbury as a content creator and reporter. Fast forward, and Holiday was the host of the Morning Update Show, a COVID-focused show which morphed into one of Seattle’s leading sources for news and current events. Now, Holiday has embarked on her own journey as a solo host, hosting Converge’s daily show The Day With Trae. Broadcasting live from the Black Media Matters Studio every weekday from 11 - 11:30 am, Holiday speaks with a wide range of guests from all sectors of the community. It’s this drive and passion for telling stories that matter which pushes Holiday forward and has launched her into the next phase of her career.
“My show is fueled by my deep love for the community and Black brilliance globally. I get to be authentically me, and connect with amazing people who are doing phenomenal work. I also think my interview style aids in me bringing a unique approach to tv that is felt by the folks I interview,” Holiday said.
Her conversational approach brings out unique insights from her guests as she creates a setting which feels uniquely comfortable. Even those who have been interviewed around the world say that Holiday’s warm and compassionate approach stands out.
“That means a lot to me, it truly does, because it's another indicator that I'm living in my purpose,” Holiday said.
Trae has already hosted guests in the new-look set, including WyKing Garrett, Heru Tchaasamen, and Stephanie Johnson-Toliver (Photos Jordan Somers)
A life-long journalist who formerly worked on the production side, Holiday brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work as a host. Her knowledge of current events and communication skills bring the audience into the room, creating an strong community of devoted fans. That community was on display at a recent taping for Holiday’s new intro video, which featured friends and fans at Medgar Evers. You can read more about that here.
That wasn’t the only memorable experience Holiday has had as a member of the Converge Media family. During Converge’s takeover of Seattle’s iconic Paramount Theatre, Holiday’s name was displayed prominently on the marquee. For the lifelong Seattleite, the honor was felt deeply.
“That was a huge moment, and affirmed this path even more for me,” Holiday said. “Having my parents come and see the show while we were at Paramount, and receiving their affection and love for my work - sharing that they always knew I was destined for this level of greatness and more...man...it's hard to put it into words just how impactful that was for me.”
Outside of the studio, Holiday works hard to make an impact as well. Her work with community organizations like The Covenant, which works to end gun violence, has spurred community action and creates change.
“We encourage community members to sign up as advocates of The Covenant, meaning they’ll live the principles and help share them with others. We’re also working to bring it out in the community more in 2024,” Holiday said. “Last year we lost one of our founders Elijah L. Lewis to gun violence as well. It rocked us all, yet we know he’d want us to continue to make an impact with our original goals, so we push forward for him and so many others we’ve lost to this epidemic of gun violence.”
That passion and desire to drive the community forward shows through in all of Holiday’s work, including serving as the Director of Communications for the Office of Equity within the Washington State Legislature.
“It’s rewarding to be working within the system to help change it. With my passion for communications and fire for community, I get to bring a fresh perspective to the work,” Holiday said. “I’m grateful that I’m in a position to work alongside folks who are inspired by my vision and leadership. I couldn’t do this work in any other way; so being my authentic self is key to that path as it is for all other paths I pursue.”
A leader who is focused on her goals to improve the lives of those in her community, Holiday is the perfect fit to highlight the work being done by community members and showcase what makes Seattle great. As 2024 begins, Holiday looks for even more opportunities to continue to grow both herself and her show.
“It's sharing my gift globally. It's digging deeper within myself to be accessible and open to new experiences. It's increasing the intensity of my intentions. It's taking this show to a more regional, national, and global level. It's also staying true to myself through the levels of growth in front of me,” Holiday said.
A truly inspirational figure and host, Holiday continues to push the envelope on what’s possible in media. Her community-first coverage and engaging interviews showcase the power that personal connection still has in today’s world.
Make sure to tune into The Day With Trae every weekday from 11 - 11:30 am on all Converge Media platforms.
