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

 

OED’s Markham McIntyre Outlines Seattle's Small Business Support on Back2Besa

Small businesses are the heart and soul of Seattle's economy, but they face many challenges in today's economic climate. From rising costs to public safety concerns, these businesses need support to survive and thrive. The City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development (OED) is tasked with confronting these issues head-on and helping provide solutions for distressed small business owners. 

Read More

Besa Gordon's Call to Action to Support Black Businesses on Good Day Seattle

Yesterday morning, Besa Gordon, host of Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle and FOX SOUL, joined Erin Mayovsky on Good Day Seattle to discuss the urgent need to support Black-owned businesses in Puget Sound. Gordon's appearance was a passionate call to action, highlighting the struggles these businesses face and outlining ways the community can help.

Read More

Besa Gordon Discovers Emerald City Fish & Chips on her Support Black Business Campaign

Hey everyone! Today was a super cool day. It marked the first day of our Support Black Business campaign, and I decided to put my money where my mouth is and try out a new spot I have never been. I'm always talking about supporting Black-owned businesses, but today I made a conscious effort to find one for lunch.

Read More

Besa Gordon Raises a Glass to WeRise Wines on Good Day Seattle

Besa Gordon appeared on Good Day Seattle with Erin Mayovsky on FOX 13 Seattle this morning to introduce viewers to WeRise Wines, a new wine bar and shop in downtown Seattle.  WeRise Wines is committed to inclusivity, highlighting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ winemakers from across the state and region.

Read More
Back2Besa Rayjaun Stelly Back2Besa Rayjaun Stelly

Black Art In Black Spaces, Covered R&B Event Displayed Success

Covered a live R&B experience took place in Seattle’s very own Columbia City at Black and Tan Hall, Converge Media’s Deaunte Damper attended the event where he caught up with Teme Wokoma, owner of Sankofa Theater and Spirit of Ire Productions. An active advocate for showcasing Black art in Black spaces, Wakoma put on the event with extreme gratitude for Besa Gordon while honoring her late business partner Elijah Lewis.

Read More
Back2Besa, Arts & Culture Besa Gordon Back2Besa, Arts & Culture Besa Gordon

Tapping Into History: Pamela Yasutake's Journey and Influence in Dance

As we look back at some of our favorite moments from Back2Besa in 2024, one standout interview was with professional tap dancer Pamela Yasutake. Pamela, who began tap dancing at the age of nine, has turned her lifelong passion into a thriving career, performing and teaching tap across the globe. Here’s a look at Pamela’s story, how she got started, and her dedication to keeping tap dancing alive for the next generation.

Read More
Besa Gordon, Back2Besa Besa Gordon Besa Gordon, Back2Besa Besa Gordon

Learning from the Best: Besa’s Inspiring Lunch with Jesse Jones and Essex Porter

By Besa Gordon - Y’all, I gotta share this moment with you! Early December, I had the opportunity to sit down with two media legends—Jesse Jones and Essex Porter—and let me tell you, it was next level. If you don’t know them, Jesse is the investigative reporter who’s been holding people accountable for YEARS with his ‘Get Jesse’ segments, helping people resolve issues and navigate scams.

Read More
Besa Gordon, Back2Besa Besa Gordon Besa Gordon, Back2Besa Besa Gordon

Embracing the Joys of Life: Besa Gordon's Goals for 2025

By Besa Gordon - A new year always feels like the perfect time to hit reset and start fresh, and 2025 is no exception. But before we get into what’s next, let me take a moment to look back at 2024. Whew—what a year! There were highs, like signing my second contract with FOX 13 Seattle and taking Back2Besa national on FOX Soul—huge milestones I’ll forever be proud of. But there were also low moments…

Read More

Converge Media: A Tapestry of Black Joy Woven Across the Pacific Northwest

This is more than just a video; it's a glimpse into the soul of a community, a celebration of the spirit that refuses to be dimmed. At Converge Media, we are storytellers, weaving narratives of resilience, creativity, and the undeniable power of Black joy.

Read More

Besa Gordon’s Moe Vegan Adventure: Why This Spot Is a Must-Try

By Besa Gordon - I finally got to pull up to Moe Vegan in Kent after missing their grand opening, and let me tell you—they did not disappoint! I grabbed the spicy crispy vegan honey chicken wrap and garlic fries, and dude… the flavors were on point! I. Was. SHOCKED. Plus, the vibe inside is super chill—pool table, photobooth, TVs for the game, and a whole lotta positive vibes.

Read More

Seattle Opera Black Artists Market 2024

From paintings and sculptures to jewelry and textiles, the market featured a wide range of artistic expressions. Each piece told a unique story, reflecting the artist's personal journey and cultural heritage. Attendees were captivated by the beauty and craftsmanship on display, and many left with one-of-a-kind treasures.

Read More

15 Black-Owned Businesses to Shop After Christmas in Seattle with the Buy Black Card

By Besa Gordon - Alright, let’s be real — we all have that moment when we realize we forgot to grab a gift for someone. If that’s you right now, don’t even trip. The holidays might be over, but the season of giving isn’t! Let me put you on the Buy Black Card.

Read More