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
Building Community Bonds: Tacoma Police Department's Kids Health and Safety Fair
The Tacoma Police Department's 2nd annual Kids Health and Safety Fair was a heartwarming event that brought together over 4,000 community members. The fair, held at the East Side Community Center, offered a wide range of resources and activities for families.
Besa Gordon Details Why She Went Back on Topical Steroids
In a recent episode of her show Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle, Besa Gordon opened up about her decision to return to topical steroids after suffering from a severe flare-up of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW).
Celebrating Artists and Culture: A Look Back at "Art of The Matter" Season One
Converge Media’s very own Art Queen, Takiyah Ward, recently took a moment to reflect on the first season of her show, *Art of The Matter*. The show, hosted by Ward, dives deep into the vibrant world of art and culture, giving audiences a personal glimpse into the lives of artists.
Converge Media Family Rallies Around Besa Gordon During Her Leave of Absence
Besa Gordon, the beloved host of Back2Besa, has been on a temporary leave of absence to focus on her health. During her time away, her Converge Media family has stepped up to the plate to keep the show going. Guest hosts have included Deaunte Damper, TraeAnna Holiday, Takiyah Ward, and Curtis Delgardo II.
Besa Gordon Interviews Dr. Sidney Nelson about Eczema and Topical Steroid Withdrawl (TSW)
Besa Gordon, the host of Back2Besa, recently sat down with Dr. Sydney Nelson, a medical expert, to discuss eczema and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). This interview was especially personal for Besa, as she has been dealing with eczema since she was a baby and TSW for the past several months.
Eczema Expo 2024: A Beacon of Hope for Besa Gordon
Besa Gordon recently attended the 2024 Eczema Expo in Denver, an event that proved to be a turning point in her journey with eczema and Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). The expo provided a platform for Besa to connect with a supportive community and gain valuable insights into managing her chronic skin condition.
Besa Gordon Honored at PDX Hip Hop Week Celebration
The 4th annual Hip Hop, Wine and Chill event, a cornerstone of PDX Hip Hop Week, was a resounding success, uniting a diverse blend of artists, entrepreneurs, and hip hop aficionados. Hosted by Leadertainment LLC, and held at Abbey Creek Winery, Oregon's pioneering Black-owned vineyard and winery in over half a century, the event underscored the harmonious fusion of music, wine, and community spirit.
Belize: A Journey of Sisterhood, Art, and Culture
A few years ago, Takiyah "TDub" Ward aka the Art Queen of Converge, embarked on an incredible journey to Belize with her Converge Media family. This unforgettable experience opened her eyes to the power of art, culture, and sisterhood. From the moment they landed, the energy was electric. Belize, a country bursting with life, captivated Takiyah with its vibrant mix of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, and Garifuna cultures and its breathtaking natural beauty.
Besa’s Back! Here Is What You Can Expect In This Week’s Episode
Besa Gordon returns from her 10-week hiatus with a very special episode of Back2Besa. This gratitude-filled episode will give viewers a look into Besa's healing journey and feature the people and organizations that have supported Back2Besa.
Fremont Fridays: Creating an All-Ages Music Scene in Seattle
Fremont Fridays is a Seattle-based event founded by Marshall Hugh to make music more accessible to young people by creating an all-ages stage in partnership with GZ Radio. This platform allows young artists to showcase their talents while bringing together music enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy and support the local music scene.
Besa Gordon Returns to the Studio After 10-Week Break
After a 10-week hiatus, Besa Gordon was back in the Black Media Matters Studio last night and is ready to reconnect with her audience. Although she is still on a healing journey, Besa was grateful to be back doing what she loves and was thankful for the amazing team that kept Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle going strong in her absence.
Seattle's Big Day of Play: A Celebration of Diversity and Community
Seattle Parks and Recreation's Big Day of Play, a free event held in Southeast Seattle, was a vibrant celebration of diversity, community engagement, and recreational opportunities. The event showcased the wide range of services offered by Seattle Parks and Recreation and provided a platform for community members to connect with staff and each other.
The Art Brothers: Creating Fire in the Amazon Understory
The Amazon Spheres in Seattle are not only a marvel of architecture and a hub for plant life, but recently was also home to a unique artistic collaboration. Meet the Art Brothers, Moses Sun and barry johnson, two artists who have found inspiration and a platform for their work in the understory of this urban rainforest.
Champ Boxing: Building Champions In and Out of the Ring
Champ Boxing, a Seattle-based non-profit organization, is making a real difference in the lives of young people. Founded by Kevin Loyal in an abandoned classroom at Rainier Beach High School, Champ Boxing provides free boxing training and mentorship to youth in the community.
Behind the Scenes: Akia Ronai's Styling Process for Back2Besa Host Besa Gordon
Akia Ronai, a fashion consultant with over 25 years of experience in the industry, recently sat down for an interview to discuss her work on styling Besa, the host of Converge Media's show Back2Besa. Ronai, who has worked with numerous high-profile clients and for companies such as Nordstrom and Amazon, shared her insights on the collaborative process of styling Besa Gordon.
This week on Back2Besa: Curtis Delgardo II is Empowering Youth in Seattle
In this inspiring episode of Back2Besa, guest host Curtis Delgardo II takes us on a journey through Seattle, highlighting organizations and individuals dedicated to empowering the city's youth. Earlier today, Curtis stopped by Good Day Seattle to share a preview of his Champ Boxing Gym segment with Erin Mayovsky, where he talked about the importance of youth mentorship.
Converge Media Signs Distribution Deal with FOX SOUL
Seattle, WA (August 29, 2024)—Converge Media, a leading Black-owned Seattle-based media company dedicated to uplifting Black stories and voices, today announced a significant distribution agreement with FOX SOUL. This partnership will bring Converge Media's diverse range of programming, including current shows, films, and future productions, to FOX SOUL's audience.
Jerk Shack's Chef Trey Lamont on Community, Culture, and Cuisine
In the heart of Seattle's Central District, Jerk Shack is more than just a restaurant; it's a community hub where Chef Trey Lamont shares his passion for Caribbean-inspired cuisine. In a recent interview with Kiesha Garrison from Hey Black Seattle, Chef Trey shared his journey and the inspiration behind his unique menu.
Washington's First Black Rodeo Queen Inspires New Besa Gordon Film
Get ready to be inspired by the story of Washington State's first Black rodeo queen, Jessa Thomas. This Sunday at 6 pm, Fox13 will premiere a film that follows the journey of the 17-year-old cowgirl from Kittitas County. The film, produced by Besa Gordon and Stephanie Johnson Tolliver, highlights the challenges and triumphs of breaking barriers.
Besa Gordon Proudly Presents: Facing the Reign: The Jessa Thomas Story on FOX 13 Seattle
By Besa Gordon - As the executive producer of "Facing the Reign", I'm incredibly excited to share Jessa Thomas's remarkable story with you. And let me tell you, this film isn't just about rodeo; it's about breaking barriers, embracing identity, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or what they look like.