By Deaunte Damper - Alright y'all, let's dive deeper into this Kiki ballroom scene, a place where community, growth, and expression collide. I had the chance to chop it up with some key figures in the scene, and let me tell you, their insights were powerful.

The story of Campfire Coffee began with a simple need: a job. Quincy and his wife, Whitney, both found themselves unemployed within a short span of time. It was during a long drive home from a family visit that the idea for Campfire Coffee was born. Quincy's wife had always joked about wanting to own a coffee stand, and in that moment, they decided to turn that dream into a reality.

A historic moment unfolded in the heart of Beacon Hill as the city celebrated the renaming of the Jefferson Park Golf Course to the Bill Wright Golf Complex. This momentous occasion marked the first time in the city's history that a park was renamed to honor a citizen, a testament to the profound impact Bill Wright had on the community and the sport of golf.

Inspired by the traditional fish houses of the South, Gethers' vision for the Hot Fish House was born out of his own experiences growing up in South Carolina. "I grew up in my grandmother's business," he shares. "She owned a small restaurant called Oakville Lunch, a lot of seafood, lot of pork. So it's down-home Southern Living."

Seattle's Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute recently pulsed with the rhythm and energy of Kutt N' Up's 20th-anniversary celebration. The event highlighted the profound impact this dance group has had on Seattle's youth and the broader dance community. Co-founders Dwayne Jackson and Koach Giggz (Koach Crosby) sat down for an interview, reflecting on their remarkable journey and the enduring legacy of Kutt N' Up.

Marjorie, owned and operated by the talented Donna Moodie, has a rich history that dates back to 2003. Donna, who also serves as the Chief Impact Officer at the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, poured her heart and soul into creating a space that embodies her mother's love for food and community. 

By Besa Gordon - Yesterday’s Buy Black Brunch was EVERYTHING! A sold-out event, amazing vibes, and so much joy filled Simply Soulful as we celebrated community, connection, and Black-owned businesses. From the cupid shuffle to a mimosa toast, the energy was unmatched.

Can you believe November is over already? This month flew by faster than a hot wing at a cookout! But even with the whirlwind pace, we packed in a ton of amazing experiences on Back2Besa. So, let's take a moment to rewind and relive some of the highlights.

Seattle's creative spirit was on full display at a recent event that underscored the city's commitment to nurturing its creative economy. The MXR:SEA mixer and workshop, held at the Black and Tan Hall in South Seattle, brought together a diverse group of creative entrepreneurs, city officials, and community leaders to celebrate Seattle's creative strengths and chart a course for a dynamic future.

Beacon Pacific Village, a new affordable housing development in Seattle's Beacon Hill / International District neighborhood, is more than just a place to live. It's a community development project that aims to serve families in every way possible.

Back in early October, the City of Seattle was buzzing with excitement as we unveiled this incredible new addition to our waterfront and I was there at the Overlook Walk ribbon-cutting ceremony! It's been a long time coming, and I had the privilege of speaking with some of the key players who helped make this project a reality. Let's dive in and hear what they had to say!

Besa Gordon wants to give you the gift of intentional spending this holiday season, with your shot at winning your own Buy Black Card by Intentionalist. In case you haven’t heard,  the Buy Black Card is a prepaid Mastercard that can be used exclusively at participating Black-owned businesses. It is a way to support the Black community and learn about new Black-owned businesses while also investing in them.

Down I-5 in the Rose City, Melody Brown, a passionate entrepreneur and hairstylist, has created a haven for Black hair and beauty with her salon, L&M Hair Company. Melody's journey began in elementary school, where she faced teasing and insecurity about her hair, a common experience for many young Black girls navigating predominantly white spaces. Determined to take control of her narrative and embrace her natural beauty, she started practicing braiding on her own hair, discovering a hidden talent and an unshakeable passion that would ultimately shape her future.

By Besa Gordon - Dude, talk about a reunion! If you know me, you know this girl isn't a morning person, but I was NOT going to miss the Urban League's 23rd Annual Breakfast. We're talking a powerful conversation with Taji P. Henson and Hill Harper, PLUS a whole slate of amazing honorees doing big things right here in Seattle. 

On November 29th, from 12pm to 2pm, come to Simply Soulful in the Central District of Seattle and join Besa Gordon for her Buy Black Brunch for an afternoon of good food and good company, all while supporting Black-owned businesses. The ticket comes with 2 mimosas plus and your choice of, Simply Breakfast, Shrimp & Grits, Chicken & Waffles, Bananas Foster Waffles or Strawberry Waffles, Catfish Dinner, or Chicken Dinner.

The Buy Black Card program, spearheaded by Intentionalist founder and CEO Laura Clise, is making significant strides in its mission to bolster Black-owned businesses. Now in its second year, this initiative transcends the concept of a mere gift card; it's a powerful instrument for direct investment in the success of Black-owned enterprises. This year, the program has joined forces with Besa Gordon, the charismatic host of Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle, to further amplify its reach and impact.

Yesterday, Besa Gordon, the dynamic host of Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle, sat down with Erin Mayovsky of Good Day Seattle to offer a sneak peek into this weekend's episode. The focus? The Spokane NAACP Freedom Fund Gala, an event that left a lasting impression on Gordon and attendees alike.

Get ready to witness a groundbreaking moment in Pacific Northwest television history! Back2Besa, the show that has been a beacon of Black culture, community, and empowerment in the region, is making its national debut on FOX SOUL on Saturday, December 7th at 4 pm PST. This is not just a premiere; it's a celebration of the show's incredible impact and a testament to the vibrant Black community of the PNW.

The night was filled with powerful speeches, inspiring performances, and a palpable sense of community. Hill Harper's keynote address was particularly moving, reminding us that "unity is not just a word, it's our weapon." His words resonated deeply with me, and I left the event feeling more empowered and motivated than ever to fight for social justice.

This weekend's Back2Besa episode is packed with inspiring stories that will have you celebrate the power of second chances and the importance of community support plus local highlights.