Manny Santiago, the Chief of Equity and Community Partnerships at the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, is a passionate advocate for accessible and inclusive healthcare. In his interview with Trae Holiday, he sheds light on the critical role of the Health Plan Finder in empowering Washingtonians to make informed decisions about their health insurance.

Winner of more than 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED has been performed in excess of 100 cities in 16 countries around the world (U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, The Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Switzerland and China) and has thus far been translated into six languages: Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese. WICKED has been seen by more than 67 million people worldwide and has amassed in excess of $5.6 billion in global sales.

Constantine, who has been at the helm of King County since 2009, acknowledged the severity of the housing crisis, stating, "The housing crisis is something that was brewing back when I was first elected...but has grown and grown and grown." He emphasized the need for a more robust, regional approach to both market-driven and publicly driven housing production.

Chief Tunji Awodi, a Seattle-based Ethnomusicologist, is passionate about using indigenous African culture to empower and heal communities. As the Executive Director of The Hawk Foundation, he provides multicultural education and drum facilitation throughout the Pacific Northwest. Chief Awodi's expertise in Bata dance and drum traditions, combined with his dedication to cultural preservation, makes him a powerful advocate for the transformative power of music and heritage.

Raised in a household that he refers to as a "black museum," Shyan Selah was surrounded by an abundance of records, books, art, vinyl, CDs, sports memorabilia, and articles, particularly those reflecting the history of Black culture. His musical journey began in a household deeply immersed in cultural and musical influence.

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.

Bishop Gwendolyn Phillips Coates is a dynamic force in ministry, entrepreneurship, and the arts. As the Senior Pastor of God Answers Prayer Ministries of Los Angeles and a high-ranking official within the Greater Church of Deliverance, Inc., she provides spiritual guidance and leadership to a wide-reaching congregation. Her influence extends beyond the pulpit, as she is a sought-after consultant, instructor, and author.

Leon Huggins-Richards, an actor known for his role as Mitchel in "Cry It Out" and Chilli/Jabber in "In The Blood," will be appearing on The Day With Trae Show. He will be discussing his upcoming role as Captain Richard Davenport in the Acts on Stage production of "A Soldier's Play," premiering on November 14th.

Philip "Sharp Skills" Jacobs is a dynamic force in the entertainment industry and beyond. As an actor, entrepreneur, speaker, and author, he embodies the spirit of a modern-day renaissance man. Currently captivating audiences in the powerful role of Private First Class Melvin Peterson in "A Soldier's Play," Jacobs brings depth and intensity to the character originally portrayed by Denzel Washington.

In 2016, Brandon Phillips and Davon Revis first crossed paths on the set of a music video shoot. Davon had been brought in by a mutual contact to help with the production, a surprise to Brandon, as he hadn’t been informed. Despite the unexpected introduction, the two hit it off and quickly found common ground in their passion for music. Both artists were involved in separate music projects and groups at the time, but it wasn’t long before Davon joined Brandon’s team.

Stepping into the Shuga Shaq is like entering a pulsating haven of self-expression. The atmosphere is alive with the rhythm of good music and the sight of smiling faces adorned in a kaleidoscope of unique and expressive outfits. Attendees, liberated from societal constraints, engage in open and affectionate interactions. Whether it's through dancing, deep conversations, or simply basking in the collective energy, one thing for sure is that the Shuga Shaq is lit!

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s sparkling production of George Balanchine’s The  Nutcracker® returns to the McCaw Hall stage for 37 public performances this holiday season. Featuring  Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed by the world-famous PNB Orchestra, PNB Company dancers in show-stopping roles, bright young stars from the PNB School, unique-to-Seattle sets and costumes designed by Ian Falconer (creator of Olivia the Pig), and McCaw Hall’s lobbies decked out with the season’s best photo ops – PNB’s production is the Pacific Northwest’s favorite holiday tradition. 

We all know that feeling, right? You need help, but navigating through a maze of social services feels like trying to find your way out of a labyrinth. It's overwhelming, frustrating, and can leave you feeling lost and alone. That's where ConnectWA comes in.

ACT Contemporary Theatre announced today the cast and creative team for the 49th year of the beloved theatrical classic, A Christmas Carol. Originally adapted for the stage in 1976 by ACT founder Gregory Falls, this season’s production will see the return of Seattle actor Darragh Kennan in the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge. This beloved holiday tradition is directed by ACT Core Company member & Seattle favorite R. Hamilton Wright and promises to be a delight for audiences of all ages.

In an interview on The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday chatted with Lauren Samuels, the talented actress who plays Elphaba in the touring production of Wicked now playing at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre. Samuels, who hails from Britain, shared her insights into the iconic role and her experience on the US tour.

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.

Converge Media proudly re-releases "The Legacy of the Soul Pole" a captivating short documentary originally released in 2022, chronicling the restoration of this iconic artwork, which has graced the exterior of The Seattle Public Library’s Douglass-Truth Branch in the Central District for over 50 years. This film delves into the rich cultural significance of the Soul Pole, a symbol that the Black Heritage Society of Washington State has hailed as a “beacon of Black pride” in the Central District.

Written by Besa Gordon - 🚨 BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON 🚨 Yesterday, I hit up UW for the “Jersey Mike’s College Football Tailgate” with FOX Sports and FOX 13 Seattle, celebrating the Huskies' LAST home game of the season and let me tell you, "fun" doesn’t even scratch the surface.

A toxic workplace culture embroiled the Seattle Storm in its first season of an overnight rebuild stemming from last offseason.