When school's out for the summer, many children who rely on school meals face a nutritional gap. Recognizing this challenge, the City of Seattle's Human Services Department has stepped up to ensure that no child in the city goes hungry during the summer months.  

It was an emotional final day last week at Converge Media’s Black Media Matters Studio as Deaunte Damper taped his final episode as guest host of Back2Besa. Converge Media has been a source of healing and growth for many, including Deaunte Damper, who recently shared his personal journey after his final taping of Back2Besa, where he has been filling in as guest host during Besa Gordon’s leave to focus on her health.  Deaunte expressed the difficulty in overcoming personal struggles and the courage it took to face them head-on.

Deaunte Damper, the charismatic host of "We Live In Color" on Converge Media, has been a fantastic guest host on "Back2Besa" while Besa Gordon takes a well-deserved break. Damper has described his time on the show as "one of the best experiences of my life," and his passion for sharing uplifting stories from the community has shone through in every episode.

Deaunte Damper, filling in for Besa Gordon on Good Day Seattle as she continues to focus on her health, joined Erin to shed light on the city's Summer Meals Program. Damper, a Seattle native, expressed his deep appreciation for the initiative, stating, "I'm just in awe of the work that the Human Services Department is doing right now to prioritize our youth under 18 and ensure they have access to food during the summer months."

Cammie Ploeger, a 14-year-old actor, singer, and writer with Ethiopian and Korean American roots, performed her original piece, "Letter to the Goned," at the 2024 STG Elevate showcase.

Earlier this month, the Black and Tan Hall in South Seattle was the scene of an extraordinary event: the Young and Talented showcase. This unique concert, put on for kids by kids, highlighted the musical prowess of some incredibly gifted young performers.

In their recent conversation, Besa and 24k Goldn explored a wide range of topics, from his journey since their last encounter to his foray into modeling and his decision to seek therapy.

The South Sound Music Festival, now in its third year, recently concluded another successful event in Tacoma, Washington. This vibrant celebration brought together a diverse mix of artists, vendors, and community members for a day filled with music, food, and fun.

A demonstration of community activism took place recently with the Traffic Jam for Peace, orchestrated by Urban Family. This event intentionally slowed traffic on Interstate 5 North to draw attention to the urgency of addressing gun violence. The traffic jam served as a metaphor, highlighting how violence affects everyone in the community, regardless of direct involvement.

Last month, the City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture launched the iconic Complexity exhibit at ARTS inside the historic King Street Station. The exhibit, part of the DogTown Collection, is in partnership with The American Graffiti & Urban Art Conservation Project and APEX Art & Cultural Center. This epic collection showcases masterpieces created by some of the most influential graffiti writers of the last 50 years.

Scope Screenings, Seattle's leading film festival dedicated to showcasing the best in short films, music videos, and short-form content, kicked off its third season on June 25th at the prestigious SIFF Egyptian Theater. Founded by Lex Scope in 2022, Scope Screenings has quickly become known for its vibrant events that combine film screenings with live discussions and networking opportunities.

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.