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Elijah's Legacy: Growing Community Through Grief and Remembrance
In the heart of the Rainier Beach urban farm and wetlands, a profound gathering unfolded, a space where grief intertwined with hope, and remembrance blossomed into action. This was no ordinary event; it was a tribute to Elijah Lewis, a young man whose spirit touched many, and whose legacy continues to inspire. Through the voices of those who loved him – his mother, Jenine Lewis, and friends like Nyema Clark and Jarred Issac – a story of love, loss, and the enduring power of community emerges.
Journey to Healing and Self-Love: Jenefeness Franke on "The Day with Trae"
In a recent episode of "The Day with Trae," host Trey engaged in a powerful and enlightening conversation with author and coach Jenefeness Franke. This wasn't just an interview; it was a candid sharing of a personal journey marked by trauma, healing, and ultimately, self-love. Jenefeness opened up about her experiences, her books, and her mission to help other women find their own paths to wholeness.
Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar: Besa Gordon’s South Tacoma Spotlight
By Besa Gordon - Hey friends! Have you been to Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar yet? 👀 Located on South Tacoma Way near Edison Square, this Black-owned gem is all about sowing good intentions into every customer. You might remember seeing Marquita Evans and her shop featured on Back2Besa during our Support Black Business spotlight.
Hop on a Train, Hit a Museum, and More Besa Gordon’s PNW Things to Do Anytime
By Besa Gordon - Ever wanted to find something fun to do around the Greater Seattle area, but you couldnt find an event to go to? I got you! Below is a list of six things you can do at anytime of the year. And let me keep it real—out of the six things I mentioned this week, I’ve only done one. ONE. And I was born and raised in Seattle. So now I’m on a mission to knock out the rest before summer’s up.
Sweet Beginnings: PJ's Classic Homemade Ice Cream Brings Family Legacy and Black Joy to Seattle's Central District
Seattle, WA - In the Central District, a new business of sweetness has emerged with deep roots in family, tradition, and a whole lot of love. PJ's Classic Homemade Ice Cream and Bon Bons, a family business with origins dating back to 2011 in Los Angeles, has finally opened in Seattle, paying homage to their mother's hometown and bringing a unique ice cream experience to the community.
Resilience and Resistance: Dr. Renee McCoy on LGBTQ+ History and HIV/AIDS Activism
In a recent episode of "We Live In Color," host Deaunte Damper sat down with the remarkable Reverend Dr. Renee McCoy for an insightful and deeply moving conversation. This wasn't just an interview; it was a journey through history, activism, resilience, and the unwavering power of community.
Support Local, Eat Soulful: Besa Gordon Talks Lizzie Lou’s Too on Good Day Seattle
This week on Good Day Seattle, Besa Gordon returned with another powerful segment from her Support Black Business campaign, this time spotlighting Lizzie Lou’s Too—a hidden gem located inside Destination Harley-Davidson in Fife, Washington.
Wellness Gaines Fitness: A Renton Gym Fosters Joy and Inclusion
#SupportBlackBusiness - Positivity and passion define Wellness Gaines Fitness, a Renton gym dedicated to bridging the gap between physical and mental health. Founded by owner and trainer Kyra Gaines in June 2022, the gym was built to be a safe, welcoming space where individuals from all backgrounds can feel seen, empowered, and inspired.
Araoluwa Popoola: Stitching a Legacy – The Intricate Art of Building a Global African Fashion House
In the vibrant, pulsating heart of Ibadan, Nigeria, a city teeming with life, color, and an unyielding spirit of enterprise, a young Araoluwa Popoola found himself grappling with a seemingly trivial, yet profoundly impactful problem: the persistent inadequacy of standard clothing sizes.
WOW Gallery Hosts "Celebrating HERstory Tea Party" for Black Women
WOW Gallery in downtown Seattle's Pacific Place Mall recently hosted a very special event titled "Celebrating HERstory Tea Party." This gathering brought together a diverse group of Black women from various organizations across the region. The event aimed to celebrate Women's History Month and provide a space for networking, connection, and recognition of the vital work being done within the community.
Financial Struggles and Community Strength: The Story of Tacoma’s Intentions Juice Bar
#SupportBlackBusiness - South Tacoma Way is home to Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar, a space that embodies community and vision, though it navigates significant financial hurdles. Founded by Marquita Evans in 2020, Intentions is a vital hub focused on health, wellness, and connection. However, maintaining this space requires constant effort due to ongoing financial challenges.
Masego Set to Captivate Seattle at Remlinger Farms
The anticipation is building for Masego's upcoming performance at Remlinger Farms on July 19, 2025. The Jamaican-American vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, known for his unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and jazz, is set to bring his "trap house jazz" to the Seattle area.
Besa Gordon Shares Update on “Support Black Business” Campaign During Good Day Seattle Appearance
By - Besa Gordon: So yesterday morning, I did my weekly appearance on Good Day Seattle to give an update on something that’s been super close to my heart, the Support Black Business campaign Converge Media launched back in January with Back2Besa.
Chelsea Riddick-Most and the King County Clinic: A Decade of Community Healthcare
Seattle Center holds a special place in the hearts of many locals. From childhood memories of rides and festivals to witnessing up-and-coming artists, it's a hub of community and culture. This year, Seattle Center is once again hosting a vital event that embodies the spirit of community service: the King County Clinic. Chelsea Riddick-Most shared valuable insights into this incredible initiative in a recent interview with TraeAnna Holiday on The Day With Trae.
Healing, History, and Hustle: This Week on Back2Besa
Get ready for an inspiring and vibrant episode of Back2Besa! Host Besa Gordon has been on the move, traversing the Pacific Northwest to bring viewers a collection of powerful Black stories and community highlights. This week's episode promises to be a rich tapestry of experiences, showcasing resilience, celebration, and connection.
A New Chapter Begins: Rainier Beach High School Unveils Its State-of-the-Art Facility
Monday marked a momentous occasion for Rainier Beach High School as students returned from spring break to a brand-new building, a culmination of years of community effort and anticipation. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and a sense of pride as students, staff, and community members stepped into the modern facility.
Shaping the Future of Rail in Washington State: Public Input Sought
Washington State is experiencing rapid growth, and with that growth comes an increased need for efficient and sustainable transportation. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is taking proactive steps to address these needs by updating the State Rail Plan. As part of this update, WSDOT is seeking public feedback to ensure the future of rail in the state reflects the needs and desires of its residents.
Aries Season Went All the Way Up at Shake Bar Portland
What started over a decade ago as a birthday bash has grown into something way bigger: a cultural celebration that pulls folks from Cali to Canada—and even the East Coast—all to turn up with the Northwest. This year’s party brought out a crowd that came to dance, connect, and celebrate with style.
Golden at Falls Theatre
Commissioned by ACT Theatre and first seen as a staged reading at ACT’s inaugural New Works Northwest Festival in 2023, Golden is set after the Great Recession of 2008. Morris Golden, fighting to save his laundromat, finds an unexpected source of hope in a broken change machine with mysterious powers.
Deaunte Damper’s ‘We Live In Color’ Enters its Third Season
With immense pride and passion, Deaunte Damper is kicking off the third season of his show “We Live In Color” on Thursday, April 17. The new season will highlight incredible authors, activists, and leaders of the Black LGBTQ+ community with a focus on policy, justice, and access.