Converge Media recently welcomed a group of four esteemed African journalists to the Black Media Matters Studio. These journalists, hailing from Mali, Niger, Cote d'Ivoire, and Mozambique, were visiting the United States as part of the Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program facilitated by the World Affairs Council. Their mission? To learn about identifying and combating disinformation and promoting media literacy.

This upcoming weekend on Back2Besa, host Besa Gordon makes a special return to the Black Media Matters Studio, a space adorned with images capturing the vibrancy of Seattle's golden jazz age. The studio, which celebrated its 3rd-anniversary last month, features a stunning interview wall curated by Stephanie Johnson-Toliver of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and designed by Damon Brown of Creative Lou. Stepping away temporarily from the FOX 13 Seattle Studios, Besa used this fitting backdrop to shine a light on the recently launched Jackson Street Jazz Trail.

Last month, a delegation of eight journalists and media professionals from Gabon traveled to convene at Converge's Black Media Matters Studio to engage in an insightful discussion centered around harnessing the power of digital media and utilizing it as a tool that creates impactful reporting within local communities.

One thing we knew for sure in designing our Black Media Matters studio in downtown Seattle was that we wanted to make a statement loud and clear that our media, our culture, our history matters and that should be evidenced in everything that we create.

Being intrigued by a story, I feel, is an innate human instinct. Being deeply drawn into a tale that stokes our imagination is one of the best experiences. As a visual artist, the curiosity in knowing people's stories, journeys and special moments informs and inspires my work as a photographer and filmmaker.