We’re dedicated to continuing our work but we can’t do it alone. Please consider supporting our mission to cover critical issues in the Pacific Northwest from the street level.
BLOG
Starda Perry Talks Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone on Back2Besa
Earlier this month, Besa Gordon, the host of Back2Besa, had caught up with Staten Island artist Starda. Starda recently made headlines by opening for Lil Wayne during his tour stop at the Tacoma Dome. During the interview, they covered various topics, including Starda's musical journey, his latest project, "The Starda Party," his experiences touring in Thailand, and much more.
PHOTOS: L&M Hair Lounge in North East Portland, Oregon
During Besa's visit to the Broadway location of L&M Hair Lounge, they had the opportunity to delve deeper into the salon's offerings and ethos. It's a testament to Melody's dedication to her craft and community that such a thriving establishment exists.
PHOTOS: Cool Nutz celebrates birthday party at Alberta St. Pub in Portland, OR.
Portland music industry icon, Cool Nutz, recently took it back to his roots and celebrated his birthday bash at Alberta Street Pub in NE Portland just blocks from his original studio where he started making music years ago. Family, friends, fans, and supporters from across Portland and as far away as Seattle and Eugene all showed up and showed out to literally give the Rose City rap legend his flowers.
PHOTOS: Solid Ground’s Anniversary Gala: 50 Years of Transformative Community Service
50 years is a long time, and in Solid Ground’s case, it’s a testament to how long they have been working to eradicate poverty in our greater Seattle community. Last week, Solid Ground celebrated its 50th Anniversary Gala, reflecting on the impactful work done over the years and the stories of those they have helped.
All Elite Wrestling’s Nick Wayne Promotes Dynamite Coming to Angle Of The Winds Arena on Back2Besa
It’s not a secret that host of Back2Besa, Besa Gordon, loves wresting, so with All Elite Wrestling bringing Dynamite to Angle Of The Winds Arena tomorrow (5/15/2024), it should be no surprise that she sat down with AEW’s Nick Wayne in an interview that lasted nearly 40 minutes where they talk about everything from, how Nick got into wrestling, getting his AEW contract, his feud with Swerve Strickland, joining Christian Cage, why he betrayed Darby Allin, if he would ever turn on Christian Cage for a title shot and more.
Besa Gives Recommendations for Eat What You Want Day on Good Day Seattle
Tomorrow is Eat What You Want Day and during Besa's appearance on FOX 13's Good Day Seattle, Besa Gordon previewed the Eat What You Want segment and talked about a few places you can go to eat well.
Seattle's Personal Stylist Akia Ronai Reimagines Spring Style with Vibrant Collection on Back2Besa
A creative force in Seattle's fashion scene and beyond, Akia Ronai has carved out a distinguished career as a personal stylist, a fashion engineer, and a businesswoman. Her portfolio includes singers India Arie, Choklate, and Converge's very own Besa Gordon among her list of styled personalities. Recently, Ronai joined Gordon on Back2Besa to unveil a collection of spring essentials curated by her aimed to upgrade anyone's outfit with a colorful blend of comfort and style, offering a glimpse into the latest trends set to redefine wardrobes this season.
Relive Bubblin Brown Sugar 2024
For decades, Bubbling Brown Sugar has been giving our community goosebumps with the epic moves that happen on the floor, while creating nostalgic vibes from seeing different friends and family members that we haven’t seen for a while, due to a lot of us now not living in the central district anymore.
Watch Back2Besa Episode 42 Hosted by Besa Gordon
This week on Back2Besa, we head to SoDo for the Sonics was taken event. We sail with the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, we head to Renton for the 2024 Northwest Naturals Expo, and we hear from our friends at Ground Zero Radio as they head to the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma to learn about their youth programs.
Besa Gordon Previews Platinum Plush Fashions Grand Re-Opening Semgent on FOX 13’s Good Day Seattle
A new episode of Back2Besa is coming up this Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle, and we have a special story for you! We're excited to share the inspiring journey of Nikita Mathis, who just celebrated 23 years of Platinum Plush Fashions being in business. Not only that, but she also received a tenant improvement grant from the Seattle Office of Economic Development, which allowed her to have a grand re-opening.
PHOTOS: G. Prez Asphy joins the Clipper Round The World Crew on 70 Foot Racing Yacht
Earlier this week eleven 70 foot racing yachts and 200 fearless non-professional sailors arrived at Bell Harbor in Seattle after a 6000 nautical mile race across the North Pacific Ocean from Qingdao, China as part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is the only event of its kind which trains everyday people to become ocean racers.
Seattle Storm Gets a New Center for Basketball Performance
The Seattle Storm unveiled their Center for Basketball Performance, a home for our Storm players so they no longer have to occupy the SPU courts for practice. The Center provides the Storm two brand new courts and a strength training room for training, but also options for recovery in a health and wellness suite and aquatics center. A great way for the Storm to begin training camp for their 25th season!
Joel Duran Performs “The Girl On The Bus” on Back2Besa
In honor of National Poetry Month, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon highlighted four talented poets from the greater Seattle area. One of those poets was Joel Duran, an Afro-Latino poet born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Brooklyn, New York, who now calls Seattle home. Joel's poetry touches on themes of love, gentrification, and the complexities of city life. During the segment, Joel performed his poem "The Girl On The Bus." Be on the lookout for Joel's upcoming release of his bilingual poetry collection, "Infatuated: Un Poeta Enamorado," which explores the initial stages of love.
PHOTOS: Hoops, Hype, and Heart: Inside SonicsWasTaken
Sonics fans, unite! Earlier this month, the SonicsWasTaken event that took place in SoDo brought together fans from all over the city to celebrate their love of basketball, fashion, art, design, music, culinary delights, libations, and community. Host Trae Holiday from The Day With Trae caught up with Sonics to discuss why they want the team back and what the community is doing to make it happen.
In Case You Missed It: Watch Back2Besa Episode 41 Hosted by Besa Gordon
On this episode of Back2Besa, we talk Spring fashion trends with my stylist Akia Ronai, we uplift the Northside Step Team as they get ready for the 2024 West Coast National Youth Step Show Competition in Vegas, we get a look at the new Seattle Storm “Center for Basketball Performance” practice facility, we learn how to write your first poem with Converge media procedure and poet, Acacia Salisbury, we see poetry performances from Ebo Barton, Rhea Melina, and Joel Duran, Besa goes to her Dad's job bring your kids to work day at Rite In The Rain. Plus, we have events to know about.
Rhea Melina Performs “Pulling Down God Is Easy” on Back2Besa
For National Poetry Month, Besa Gordon highlighted talented poets around the greater Seattle area on Back2Besa over the weekend. One of those poets was Rhea Melina, who performed her poem “Pulling Down God Is Easy” at the Black Media Matters Studio.
PHOTOS: Celebrating 23 Years of Style: Platinum Plush Fashions' Grand Re-Opening
Platinum Plush Fashions marked its 23rd anniversary with a Grand Re-opening Celebration. Thanks to the Seattle Office of Economic Development, the store underwent a stunning transformation led by all Black contractors. Our cameras captured the historic ribbon-cutting ceremony as loyal community members joined owner Nikita Mathis in celebrating this momentous occasion.
PHOTOS: Bubblin Brown Sugar 2024
Our cameras were there as the community was brought together once again by the annual Bubblin Brown Sugar dance competition at Garfield High School. This event has been a beloved tradition for decades, uniting generations through dance and community fellowship. Dance teams from across Seattle came together to showcase their passion and talent, captivating the audience and uplifting one another in a display of unity.
Ebo Barton Performs “Freedom Cut Me Loose” on Back2Besa
In honor of National Poetry Month, Besa Gordon highlighted some incredible poets here in the greater Seattle area on Back2Besa over the weekend. One of the featured poets was Ebo Barton, who performed his poem "Freedom Cut Me Loose" at the Black Media Matters Studio.
National Poetry Month Spotlight: Insights from Acacia Salisbury on Back2Besa
In honor of National Poetry Month, Besa Gordon engaged in a captivating conversation with Acacia Salisbury, a producer at Converge Media and a talented poet. Acacia's journey with poetry began at the tender age of 7 when her grandmother introduced her to the renowned poet and author Maya Angelou.