#FeelGoodFriday at the Paramount Theatre was a heart-warming and emotional affair, bringing past, present and future together for a celebration of art and media. The show featured former King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, President of North Seattle College Dr. Chemene Crawford, STG Board Member Ricardo Frazer, NW Tap Connection Founder Melba Ayco and Converge Media Intern Ike Everard. Performances included NW Tap Connection, Primera Mujer and Rell Be Free. 

Everard introduced a video piece he created about The Crawsover Pro-Am, a summer basketball league run by NBA legend Jamal Crawford. That piece is available in full here.

He also discussed his experience interning with Converge Media, and the takeaways he has from the summer.

“When you treat people with respect, and when you build those connections, people respect and support it,” Everard said. “I learned that’s what it takes to tell these kinds of quality stories and to get the information that needs to come out into the world.”

Dr. Crawford and former Councilmember Gossett discussed the naming of the light rail bridge near North Seattle College after late congressman John Lewis. 

“It’s very important to me,” Gossett said. “I knew John Lewis, I met him back in 1966. We both participated in a march against the Vietnam War and we found out that we had the same birthday. He’s a civil and human rights icon in this country.”

Dr. Crawford said she met Lewis a few years ago at an educators event. She said that although there were some issues surrounding the event, he was gracious and accommodating to everyone. 

“His legacy is impeccable,” Crawford said. “To recognize that the bridge over I-5 towards North Seattle College is named after someone who valued education so much and who represented hope is just profound.”

We also spoke to STG board member Ricardo Frazer. Frazer, an early mentor to Omari Salisbury, shared information about Seattle Theatre Group but more importantly opened a discussion with Salisbury about his career and influences. 

“You’ve had the passion. You knew what you wanted to do,” Frazer said. “When we sent you out to the South, you didn’t hesitate. People don’t understand the commitment you’ve taken to get to this point. I can’t be more proud of anyone in my life than I am of you.”

NW Tap Connection Founder Melba Ayco also joined the show to talk about her organization and the impact of dance on the youth. She said her 31 years with the Seattle Police Department impacted her devotion to the arts.

“Looking at what happened to Brown and Black children made me think that if I could impact kids on a weekly basis, I would never see them come across my desk at the police department,” Ayco said.

She also spoke about the importance of helping young people make a meaningful transition into adulthood, saying that by giving them role models from their communities they can grow through dance. 

The show ended with three powerful performances. Cipher Goings led NW Tap Connection in their performance of “Payback”, followed by ProofnThePlay’s daughter Primera Mujer bringing her freestyle talent to the stage. The grand finale saw local recording artist Rell Be Free perform his new song, “Rainier Raised”. Those performances are available in full below.