The Seattle Theatre Group's ELEVATE program recently showcased the talents of young Black and Brown artists at the historic Neptune Theatre. Among these talented performers was Maya Michelle Russell, a 16-year-old spoken word artist making waves in the Seattle arts scene.

Seattle-based Eighth Generation, a groundbreaking art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe, recently Besa Gordon stopped by Eighth Generation for an exclusive tour. Founded in 2008 by Nooksack artist and activist Louie Gong, Eighth Generation is a beacon of Indigenous-owned enterprise, making history as the first Native-owned company to produce wool blankets.

Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Pride in style with its annual PrideFest. This vibrant event showcased the LGBTQIA+ community with an impressive lineup of performers across three stages, including Aleksa Manila, House of Moschino, Bacon Strip, and many more.

Seattle's Pride Parade is an annual event that brings together members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. However, the parade is more than just a colorful spectacle; it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.

The Lavender Rights Project's annual Black Trans Comedy Showcase, held at the Siff Cinema Egyptian on June 8th, was a resounding success. The event was more than just a night of laughter; it was a celebration of Black trans excellence, a powerful statement of resilience, and a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Black trans community.

Ground Zero Radio (GZR) was on the scene at Metier Brewing Company in Seattle to celebrate Black Music Month with a special live podcast interview featuring Black Stax, legends in the Seattle Hip Hop scene.

Seattle Theatre Group’s Elevate is a transformative annual program, now four years in the making, that empowers young artists to find their voice and express themselves through spoken word. Each year, Elevate provides a platform for talented young performers to showcase their skills, share their stories, and connect with their community. Converge Media has been a proud partner of STG Elevate since its inception, and Back2Besa is honored to continue this tradition of uplifting youth voices.

We recently caught up with Portland's own Hip-Hop legend, Cool Nutz, a true force in the music scene.l Cool Nutz has been making waves since his early days. Cool Nutz's journey began in the underground, where he honed his skills in basement studios and local venues. His unique sound and unwavering passion quickly gained recognition, propelling him from the local scene to international stages. He has toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia, spreading his music and representing Portland with pride.

Spokane's Juneteenth celebration honored Black history and culture, highlighted by the Pillar Awards, music, and inspiring speeches, emphasizing unity and progress. The event also reflected on the city's rich Black history, including James Chase's landmark election as Spokane's first Black mayor.

Besa Gordon visited Eighth Generation, a Seattle-based art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe and located on 1st Avenue downtown. Founded in 2008 by artist and activist Louie Gong (Nooksack), Eighth Generation is the first Native-owned company to produce wool blankets.

Deaunte Damper, the guest host of Back2Besa, joined Erin Mayovsky on Good Day Seattle earlier this week to recap some of his experiences during Seattle Pride Month 2024. Deaunte, a dedicated and well-respected leader in the LGBTQ+ community, shared his enthusiasm for the vibrant celebrations that took place throughout the city.

Seattle's First Hill neighborhood is home to a hidden culinary gem that transports diners to the vibrant flavors of West Africa. Gold Coast Ghal Kitchen, the brainchild of Liberian-American Chef Tina Fahnbulleh, is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Seattle's vibrant film scene came together last month as Scope Screenings, the city's leading platform for short films, hosted its latest event. Founded in 2022 by Lex Scope, the festival has quickly become a beloved hub for showcasing exceptional short films, music videos, and short-form content.

Brad Finegood recently stopped by The Day With Trae, hosted this week by Besa Gordon, to discuss overdose prevention. Finegood is a strategic advisor for King County and leads the overdose prevention efforts for Public Health, leveraging his extensive experience in the field.

Finegood began by acknowledging the significant changes in recent years, noting the convergence of the pandemic and a shifting drug supply around 2019-2020. He observed a dramatic rise in synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl. 

The WOW Gallery was filled with joy and laughter on Juneteenth as Black women from all walks of life came together for a special brunch celebration. The event, organized by Veronica Very, founder of Wonder of Women, was a day of remembrance, empowerment, and sisterhood.

Seattle recently came alive with a vibrant Juneteenth celebration, showcasing the city's dedication to honoring Black history and fostering community unity. The Africatown Community Land Trust's Summer of Soul Juneteenth celebration, hosted by Trae Holiday, drew a diverse crowd eager to commemorate this important day in American history.

Beniam Yetbarek recently visited The Day With Trae, hosted this week by Besa Gordon, to talk about the Art Walk at KOLORS and his activism through visual storytelling. Yetbarek is a digital media artist and manages his online portfolio, B.Y. Visuals.

Yetbarek is one of the first few Black artists to host Art Walk in Pioneer Square. The show opened on Thursday, June 6, and attracted over 200 attendees.

Converge Media's own Deaunte Damper, host of "We Live in Color," stepped in for Besa Gordon on FOX 13 Seattle's Good Day Seattle with Erin Mayovsky yesterday. Gordon is currently taking time off to address some health concerns, and Damper will be hosting her show until Gordon returns. 

The Black Media Matters Studio was filled with a mix of emotions today as Besa Gordon, the beloved host of Back2Besa, made a special appearance to support Deaunte Damper in his debut as the new guest host. Besa's visit was not to be in front of the camera but to work behind the scenes, ensuring everything was perfect for Deaunte's first recording of her show Back2Besa.

Besa Gordon, the beloved host of the show Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle, recently opened up about her ongoing struggle with eczema and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). In a heartfelt blog post, she shared the physical and emotional toll these conditions have taken on her, revealing the embarrassment and discomfort she has experienced due to her skin's appearance.