Besa Gordon Highlights Seattle’s Sankofa Theater In New Film and Primetime TV Special
Seattle’s Black Arts and Culture scene took a hit with the closing of the Sankofa Theater, a space created for Black artists and storytellers to share their talents with the world in Seattle’s Central District. The Theater, which was located at the Inscape Arts Building, was forced to close in November due to a lack of funding and a push from other tenants. While owner Teme Wokoma looks for a new space, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon took a deep dive into the remarkable story behind the theater and those who served as it’s driving forces.
Sankofa Theater: Inscape Finale takes a look at the work done by those like founder Teme Wokoma, the late Elijah L. Lewis, and many of the incredible artists who benefited from the space. Produced by Gordon, the film will air on FOX 13 Seattle and FOX 13+ and shine a light on an important story within our community in a special hosted by FOX 13 anchor Sabirah Rayford and featuring Teme Wokoma, Cynthia Brothers, and Stephanie Johnson-Toliver.
“Getting the opportunity to tell stories like this is what really inspired me to even start my media journey,” Gordon said. “Shining a light on important issues and things which impact my community means a lot to me, and I’m excited for everyone to see this film. The fact that it’s airing on FOX, where I host Back2Besa, is a huge win for everyone.”
Working alongside Converge Media to produce the film, Gordon said that she was struck by both the nature of the story and those featured in it.
“Speaking with Teme and others in the very space that they worked so hard on was inspirational,” Gordon said. “Obviously there are sad parts to the story but really I want to uplift the work they did and continue to do.”
Telling stories within the community is something near and dear to Gordon’s heart. She’s spent a lot of time working within various pockets of Seattle’s communities, telling stories from the Central District and beyond - from Gun Violence Town Halls at Rainier Beach High School to the story of Communion Bar & Grill to the We Remember You event.
“These kinds of stories speak to me,” the Central District native Gordon said. “Being able to be with my people and use my platform to uplift them has always been important to me.”
That platform is centered around her show, Back2Besa, which airs on FOX 13 Seattle every Saturday night at 10:30 pm and on FOX 13+ every Sunday morning at 10 am. Bringing the stories of Seattle’s Black communities to broadcast television is a task Gordon is uniquely suited for, leveraging both her status as a lifelong Seattle resident and a long-time media personality with KUBE 93.3 and iHeart.
“It’s been amazing to see people I know and love watching themselves on TV for the first time,” Gordon said. “Being able to highlight the amazing things that are going on in this city is truly a privilege.”
As for this film, which will be Converge’s first to air on broadcast television, Gordon worked alongside many talented individuals including Brady Mcatee (Director), Winfield Ezell Jr. (Producer), Sean Cokes, Alaia D’Alessandro and TraeAnna Holiday.
“Teme Wokoma is an incredible spirit whose presence lights up the room,” Filmmaker Brady Mcatee said. “Getting to know her better over the course of this project has meant the world to me. Teme and Elijah L. Lewis created a beautiful space that exemplified Black art, and the loss of said space has been a loss for the city of Seattle.”
The special will air on FOX 13 Seattle at the following times:
Tuesday 2/27 at 7-8pm on FOX 13 (KCPQ)
Saturday 3/2 at 6-7pm on FOX 13+ (KZJO)
Sunday 3/3 at 6-7pm on FOX 13 (KCPQ)
About Sabirah Rayford
Sabirah, an Emmy-nominated journalist, comes to Emerald City from the NBC affiliate in Houston, where she was an anchor and reporter covering a variety of topics, from crime and government malfeasance to features and in-depth interviews with prolific changemakers in America’s fourth-largest city.
Before her time in Houston, Sabirah worked in Florida and Kentucky as an anchor, reporter, and MMJ. While in West Palm Beach, Fla., Rayford spearheaded the NBC affiliate’s racial justice coverage following the unrest in 2020. Her story on the Black Lives Matter movement kicked off a statewide TV special on race relations.
Sabirah is a proud graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she started her career covering sports before transitioning to news. In a groundbreaking moment during her senior year, she made history becoming the first college student to report on air for WKYT, a CBS affiliate.
In 2019, Sabirah received the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award, which is given to distinguished alum of the University of Kentucky in various fields for their achievements and community contributions.
She is a big sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. In her spare time, Sabirah loves reading, and writing poetry and is a barbecue enthusiast. She is looking forward to exploring the Pacific Northwest and connecting with the community.
