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PHOTOS: You Oughta Know Panel in Spokane

Earlier this month, Besa Gordon was flown to Spokane for the You Oughta Know panel put on by Ryker, who also happens to manage friend to the show, Oble Reed. This panel featured the likes of, Inlander music editor Seth Sommerfeld, the Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Recording Academy, Jessica Toon, regional Hip-Hop Artist Jang The Goon, and of course, yours truly, as the conversion was moderated by Co-Founder of Spokast Brennon Poynor. This installment of You Oughta Know was the final of a six-series panel, and our topic was Media Professionalism and Etiquette. They talked about how to be yourself in any room you’re in, how to use social media to build your tribe, and how to reach out to media outlets to get your music heard.

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Unveiling Seattle's Artistic Tapestry: A Recap of The Still In Our Feels Showcase

Written by - Besa Gordon: Seattle's vibrant art scene was on full display at the recent 8th edition of The Still In Our Feels showcase, held at AXIS Pioneer Square. As I stepped into the event, I was immediately immersed in a sea of creativity, surrounded by local artists, performers, and enthusiasts alike. This eighth edition of The Still In Our Feels Showcase brought together diverse talent from across the greater Seattle area, offering a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work.

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Swing into Flavor: Inside T-Mobile Park's 2024 Food Extravaganza

It’s that time of year when we’re all anticipating the start of baseball season, which also means it’s time to talk about the new foods hitting T-Mobile Park this season. Yesterday, the Seattle Mariners announced their new food and beverage offerings for the 2024 season ahead of Opening Day, which is Thursday, March 28th. While there, I caught up with T-Mobile Park’s Executive Chef, Chef Javier Rosa, to get the deets on this season’s food additions and how he picked each item. I also asked Chef which food I should try first and he happily told me to try them all, and pace myself, so… That’s exactly what I did. Below is a list of my favorite added items added to the ballpark this 2024 season:

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Jaci McCormack of Rise Above Uplifts Native Youth Through Sport

Rise Above, an organization dedicated to empowering Native American children by providing various sports events, cultural activities, and mentorship programs, recently held one of its basketball clinics at the Nisqually Youth Center in Olympia as part of its ongoing efforts to provide youth outreach for Native communities throughout the United States.

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PHOTOS: RiseAbove Inspires at Nisqually Youth Center

Amidst today's daunting challenges, RiseAbove shines as a beacon of hope for Native American youth. At a recent event in Olympia's Nisqually Youth Center, former NBA player Chris Herren shared his journey of overcoming addiction to inspire a different path. Joined by notable figures like Governor Jay Inslee and Sonics legends Lenny Wilkens and George Karl, RiseAbove founder Jaci McCormick showcased the organization's mission: to provide youths with tools for personal development through sports and mentorship. With over 1,300 youths served nationwide in January alone, RiseAbove's commitment to reshaping the narrative for Native youth is undeniable.

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Building Bridges: Community Unites Against Hate at MOHAI

In a world where hate seems to be on the rise, it becomes increasingly vital to address and combat it head-on. Recently, the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, the Wing Luke Museum, and the Washington State Jewish Historical Society joined forces for an event at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) called "Confronting Hate Together."

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Reign of Style: A Decade of Hair, Beauty, and Fashion Unleashed

For a decade now, the Northwest has been graced by the dazzling spectacle of the Reign of Style Hair Show and competition. This annual extravaganza, now in its 10th year, was born from the visionary mind of Aisha Ellis-Asim. Recognizing a void in the region's hair show scene, Aisha set out to fill it, thus giving birth to Reign Competitions NW. The mission was clear: provide a platform for hairstylists, beauticians, makeup artists, cosmetology students, and fashion designers from Seattle, Tacoma, and surrounding areas to showcase their talents, creativity, and passion for hair, beauty, and fashion.

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Navigating the Modern Love Landscape: Insights from 'The State Of The Union' with Debrena Jackson-Gandy

Join Besa Gordon as she engages in a candid discussion with renowned love and relationships coach, and author of The Love Lies, Debrena Jackson-Gandy, delving into the intricate dynamics of modern-day relationships in "The State Of The Union." In this enlightening interview, Debrena unravels the complexities behind the breakdown of marriages and relationships, dissecting the impact of dating apps on communication and connection in budding romances. Explore strategies to reignite passion and foster open communication within relationships, alongside insights on what truly defines a "good date" and much more. Tune in for an insightful exploration into the ever-evolving landscape of love and intimacy.

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Redefining Bingo: The Vibe You Didn't Know You Needed

Written by - Besa Gordon: If there's one thing you know about me, it's that I'm always on the lookout for exciting events with a vibe that everyone can enjoy. So, when I received an invitation to Vibe Bingo in Federal Way, I couldn't resist checking it out. Now, I know what you might be thinking - Bingo? That's something my Gran Gran does! But wait, let me tell you - this isn't your ordinary bingo night. This is VIBE. Bingo.

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The Pulse of Portland: A Look Inside the City's Vibrant Nighttime

On a buzzing Friday night, Portland's Roseland Theater was the epicenter of an electrifying atmosphere, hosting a sold-out concert featuring the legendary Too Short and Portland's very own Cool Nutz. The lineup was stellar, with Mikey Vegas, Juma Blaq, DJ Fatboy, and Bad Habit setting the stage on fire, creating an unforgettable night for the city's live music aficionados.

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Photography, Back2Besa Omari Salisbury Photography, Back2Besa Omari Salisbury

PHOTOS - VIBE BINGO RnB + Hip-Hop Night

Last Saturday, Vibe Bingo took over Auburn for their RnB + HipHop edition as a line wrapped around the block with guests excited to play the classic game while catching up with friends and listening to their favorite R&B and Hip-Hop music. The event is taking back the stigma of Bingo not being “cool” while creating a fun and electric environment for locals to come out and have a good time.

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Photography, Back2Besa Omari Salisbury Photography, Back2Besa Omari Salisbury

PHOTOS - CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE + DIGNITY FOR DIVAS + ONE LOVE FRIDGE/PANTRY PROGRAM LAUNCH

Last month, Dignity for Divas celebrated a ribbon cutting in partnership with Champions of Change and One Love that launched a fridge and pantry program at the Diva Dream Academy in South Lake Union. — One Love utilized Champions of Change funding to purchase the necessary equipment to install the fridge and pantry needed for Dignity for Divas to nourish the families they serve, which will be stocked by Feeding Feasible Feast. PHOTOS: Adrian Sims - Create and Blend

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Breaking Borders: Seattle Artists Participate in Mexico City Art Week

Seattle artists are making impacts around the world. Recently, a group travelled to Mexico City for Mexico Art Week, a yearly event which brings together artists from all over the world to showcase their work. Led by Seattle artist Soulma Ayers, the group installed their work at Progreso #69.

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Watch Back2Besa Ep 34 Hosted By Besa Gordon

This Black History Month, let's take a moment to celebrate the diverse experiences that make Black history so rich. Back2Besa is reliving some of our favorite moments on the show, from golf lessons with former Seahawks legend Jermaine Kearse to taking Seattle Kraken's official DJ, DJ Trunks, to the zoo. We've also covered events like the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Northwest Chapter's Storytelling Conference, the Terrain Art Festival Pop Up in Spokane, and The Next 50 of Hip Hop celebration at KEXP. Join us in honoring Black history and promoting diversity and inclusion.

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How To Watch “Sankofa Theater Inscape Finale” Nationwide On The FOX Local App

Tonight at 7pm PST on FOX 13 Seattle and FOX 13 +, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon presents a new film telling the story of one of Seattle’s most precious Black cultural spaces. Sankofa Theater: Inscape Finale which goes inside the journey of the Sankofa Theater, from its mission to the fight to keep the Black-owned space alive. The film features founder Teme Wokoma alongside many of those who worked hard to create a safe and open space for Black artists in the city. In case you’re not able to watch FOX 13 Seattle on your TV, below are a few ways to watch the film live:

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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.

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