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.

This weekend's Back2Besa episode is packed with inspiring stories that will have you celebrate the power of second chances and the importance of community support plus local highlights.

Besa Gordon, the host of Back2Besa, appeared on Good Day Seattle with Erin Mayovsky this week to give viewers a sneak peek of the Jackson Street Jazz Trail segment that will appear on Back2Besa this weekend. The trail, which was recently launched, celebrates Seattle's rich jazz history.

This upcoming weekend on Back2Besa, host Besa Gordon makes a special return to the Black Media Matters Studio, a space adorned with images capturing the vibrancy of Seattle's golden jazz age. The studio, which celebrated its 3rd-anniversary last month, features a stunning interview wall curated by Stephanie Johnson-Toliver of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and designed by Damon Brown of Creative Lou. Stepping away temporarily from the FOX 13 Seattle Studios, Besa used this fitting backdrop to shine a light on the recently launched Jackson Street Jazz Trail.

Get ready for a mouthwatering episode of Back2Besa this weekend, hosted by the vibrant Besa Gordon! This time, she's taking you on a culinary adventure south down I-5, shining a spotlight on the region's incredible Black-owned food scene.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a Q&A session with Jonathan Batista, the talented dancer who recently debuted in the lead role of George Balanchine's "Prodigal Son" with the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Marjorie's globally-inspired, locally-sourced menu is already a hit, with Jamaican jerk chicken, hush puppies, and bread pudding being crowd favorites. Besa raved about the hush puppies, saying, "I don't even like hush puppies, but I loved those." She also praised the restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere, noting the thoughtful decor and overall ambiance.

By Deaunte Damper - Alright y'all, let's dive deeper into this Kiki ballroom scene, a place where community, growth, and expression collide. I had the chance to chop it up with some key figures in the scene, and let me tell you, their insights were powerful.

Located in Benton City, in the heart of Washington's Red Mountain wine-growing region, a unique winery has been making waves, not just for its exceptional wines but also for its heartwarming story and inviting atmosphere. Frichette Winery, co-owned and operated by the dynamic duo of Shae and Greg Frichette, is a testament to the power of following your dreams, embracing community, and a dash of spontaneity.

By Omari Salisbury - Returning to Spokane always feels like a homecoming. It's a city where the Black community's strength and resilience are palpable, and its future is being rewritten with every step forward. Last month, we were honored to witness a momentous occasion: the Black Homeownership Spokane graduation. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the graduates' shared sense of accomplishment, relief, and a burning desire to build a brighter future.

By Besa Gordon - It’s Sunday, so once again, it’s time we take a moment to slow it down to focus on our mental well-being. In the whirlwind of our daily lives, amidst the constant buzz of notifications, deadlines, and social engagements, it's easy to lose sight of something truly essential; I am talking about the profound power of solitude. Today, I want to discuss with you the transformative power of alone time. Something we feel guilty about at times. Buy why?

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.

Besa Gordon joined Good Day Seattle host Erin Mayovsky to give a preview of this week's episode of Back2Besa, which focuses on the legacy of local golf legend Bill Wright. The episode highlights the recent renaming of Jefferson Golf Course to the Bill Wright Golf Complex, a testament to Wright's efforts to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in the sport. 

Get ready for another exciting episode of Back2Besa, packed with heartwarming stories and vibrant experiences from across the region. Host Besa Gordon takes you on a culinary journey, starting with the grand opening of Lil Brown Girl, a collaboration between That Brown Girl Cooks and Métier Brewing in Seattle's Central District. Chef Lynn Lewis's reimagined dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds!

The Fifth Installment of Season Three of Scope Screenings was another fantastic showcase of PNW talent and creative works with quite a few that caught my eye from the city of Spokane. The SIFF Egyptian Theater on Capitol Hill was packed, and I was thrilled to see so many familiar faces.

In case you missed it, Besa Gordon stopped by Good Day Seattle to discuss her recent trip to Spokane with Erin Mayovsky. While there, she focused on her visit to the This Is East Central Mural and shared highlights from her trip, such as Latrice Williams' home buyers court graduation, Terrain 15, and her interview with Channing Curtis of KREM2.

At the Scope Screenings Film Festival, creativity took center stage once again at the SIFF Egyptian Theater in Seattle. Held on the last Tuesday of every month from June through December, Scope Screenings is a hub for filmmakers, producers, and creatives to showcase their work on the big screen. During the recent "Wacky Tacky Night," attendees witnessed an array of films and videos that pushed boundaries and sparked conversations.

FOX13 Seattle is continuing its strong support of Back2Besa, hosted by Besa Gordon, with the launch of a new ad campaign promoting the FOX Local App. This marks the third major ad campaign in less than a month, following a bus campaign featuring Back2Besa and The Jennifer Hudson Show, and a TV commercial announcing the show's second season.

Meet Channing Curtis, a seasoned news anchor at KREM 2 in Spokane, who recently shared her insights and experiences while taping an interview for Back2Besa at Spokane's Kendall Yards. In a conversation with Besa Gordon, Channing opened up about her journey in the news industry, her passion for storytelling, the importance of representation, and the realities of maintaining mental health in a demanding profession.

The GSBA Economic Development Conference is a pivotal gathering that reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering small business growth and economic vitality in Seattle.