Sankofa Theater Inscape Finale to air Commercial Free on FOX 13 and Nationwide on the FOX Local App
Converge Media’s latest film - Sankofa Theater: Inscape Finale - is set to air commercial free in primetime this Tuesday, February 27th at 7 pm on FOX 13 Seattle and nationwide on the FOX Local app. Produced by Back2Besa host Besa Gordon, the film takes a look at the impact of Seattle’s Sankofa Theater and the fight to save what has become an important space for Seattle’s Black artists.
The decision to air the piece commercial free was made by FOX 13 Seattle executives in an effort to highlight the impactful nature of the story being told as well as bring awareness to those working within community to create and maintain safe and accessible spaces for artists.
"Each week on her show, Back2Besa, Besa Gordon delivers impactful narratives," expressed Amber Eikel, SVP General Manager at FOX 13 Seattle. "These are stories that demand our focus, which is why presenting this documentary special without interruptions and preceding our national FOX broadcast has been our steadfast goal. Furthermore, we're extending accessibility by streaming everything nationwide on smart TVs through the FOX Local app."
The special, hosted by FOX 13 Seattle evening anchor Sabirah Rayford, features the premiere of the film as well as a discussion with Gordon and Sankofa Theater Co-Founder Teme Wokoma. The conversation then continues directly after the one-hour premiere special exclusively on the FOX Local app, where Rayford is joined by the President of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State Stephanie Johnson-Toliver and Vanishing Seattle’s Cynthia Brothers.
The special was filmed at Converge Media’s Black Media Matters Studio, and features many impactful moments.
“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. It’s been amazing to see people I know and love watching themselves on TV for the first time. Being able to highlight the amazing things that are going on in this city is truly a privilege.”
Rayford, a new face in the Seattle media scene, said the special was an amazing opportunity to connect with the art scene in Seattle and highlight the work being done to preserve spaces for Black artists.
“What was initially proposed as a moderation, turned into two amazing conversations! As a viewer, and someone new to the community, I was eager to dig in-- I had so many questions for Teme Wokoma, the co-founder of Sankofa Theater,” Rayford said. “I also wanted to know how Seattle’s multi-layered past influenced our present day and its impact on the Black arts community.”
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)
