For the third year in a row, Lewis Rudd, Co-Founder and CEO of Ezell’s Famous Chicken, presented the Black Business Leadership Conference, also known as the BBLC, on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. This vital event united a diverse assembly of black business owners, educators, and resource providers. This year's theme, "Ignite and Inspire," focused on fostering growth and success within the black business community.

Fat's Chicken and Waffles, a beloved soul food restaurant in the Central District of Seattle, has been serving up delicious, soulful dishes since 2015. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans, Fat's Chicken and Waffles offers a menu that speaks to the soul, featuring classics like chicken and waffles, catfish, red beans, and collard greens.

Scope Screenings is a Seattle-based film festival that is unlike any other. Founded by Lex Scope, this festival is a platform for underrepresented creators to showcase their work in front of a live audience. Scope Screenings is more than just a film festival; it's a community of artists, directors, and creators who are passionate about their craft. The event takes place at SIFF Cinema Egyptian, and the next one is coming up on September 24th.

Ari and Harry, the duo behind Paradice Worldwide, are making waves in Seattle's streetwear scene. Their brand, which draws inspiration from the city's vibrant culture and the founders' own experiences, offers a unique blend of urban style and South End pride.

Besa Gordon, host of Back2Besa and community advocate and weekly guest on Seattle's Good Day Seattle, recently sat down with Erin Mayovsky to discuss the Black Business Leadership Conference held at the University of Washington last month. The conference, a celebration of National Black Business Month, was a vibrant hub of energy and inspiration for aspiring and established Black entrepreneurs.  

The Subway Cypher, an art installation formerly displayed at Occidental Square Park, was a vibrant tribute to 50 years of Hip Hop culture. This collaborative effort between Vivid Matter Collective and Friends of Waterfront Seattle featured a graffiti-adorned shipping container reminiscent of a subway car, a nod to the genre's roots in New York City.

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.

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).

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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, 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.