The 2024 Spokane NAACP Freedom Fund Gala, held at the DoubleTree Hilton in downtown Spokane, was an unforgettable evening that celebrated community excellence, Black excellence, and the power of unity in the ongoing fight for social justice.

Hey everyone, Besa Gordon here, and I'm feeling extra festive as we head into the holiday season! I'm taking you all on a little journey back in time to last year's Nutcracker season with the incredible Pacific Northwest Ballet. I was lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes look at all the magic that happens at McCaw Hall, and let me tell you, it was an absolute dream come true.

Recently, The Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute and the Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas (CD Forum) celebrated the culminating event of their collaborative project, the Creative Empowerment Program (CEP). This innovative program, designed to support and uplift Black artists in the region, paired six mentors with six mentees, providing them with resources, guidance, and a platform to showcase their work. In addition to the mentorship program, the initiative awarded a total of $30,000 in grants to 30 Black artists and creatives.

Meet Devonte Pearson, better known in Spokane’s music scene as T.S the Solution—a name that embodies his journey and his vision. Born in Long Beach and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Pearson’s story is one of resilience, dreams, and a beat that never quits. He’s not just a hip-hop artist or an audio engineer; he’s a builder of bridges, a catalyst for collaboration, and the mentor he once wished for in his younger days.

Just wanted to give you a quick update from my whirlwind journey to Kenya. After a long day of travel (Seattle to JFK, JFK to Nairobi, and finally Nairobi to Mombasa!), I've finally arrived in beautiful Mombasa. The 11-hour time difference is a bit of a doozy, but I'm so excited to be here.

CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer Dr. Amy Xie emphasized the importance of preparing for the upcoming "respiratory season" through proactive measures. "The best way to protect ourselves is to prepare our immune systems with vaccines," she advised, urging the public to stay up-to-date on flu, COVID-19, whooping cough, and RSV vaccinations.

Jesse James talks about his journey from small-town blues enthusiast to Seattle’s music scene, sharing how his self-taught roots shaped his sound and what to expect from his long-awaited album Checkin the Mic.

SEATTLE—Following the success of its recent concert presentation of Samson and Delilah, Seattle Opera presents this January a concert rendering of Hector Berlioz’s Les Troyens—an epic tale of fate, love, and betrayal that is as grand in scope as it is rarely performed. This special pair of performances marks the first time Les Troyens will appear on the Seattle Opera stage.

Hold onto your hats, because the iconic time-traveling DeLorean is about to land at the Paramount Theatre! That's right, the beloved movie classic, "Back to the Future," has been transformed into a spectacular Broadway musical, and it's coming to Seattle.

From the season finale of The Day With Trae to the world stage in Kenya, Trae Holiday is taking her brilliance global! Emceeing the Madaraka Festival, reconnecting with roots, and inspiring through legacy, culture, and community.

Seattle's rising star, Besa Gordon, marked a major milestone in her career with the national debut of her show, "Back2Besa," on FOX SOUL yesterday afternoon. The celebration kicked off with a vibrant premiere party at Metier Brewing Company on Cherry Street, in the heart of the Central District – the very neighborhood where Gordon grew up.

Besa Gordon emphasizes the importance of authentically representing the diverse black communities across the Pacific Northwest as "Back to Besa" expands to the national Fox Soul platform. She stressed, "It's about our community. It's about what our community should look like to the general public."

From Seattle’s Central District to a national platform, Besa Gordon’s journey is a story of resilience, dreams, and community. With Back2Besa premiering on FOX SOUL Dec. 7 at 4 pm. She’s not just showcasing her voice—she’s amplifying the stories of others while staying true to her roots. “It’s not just about me; it’s about us.”

Jamila Conley spent over two decades in the tech industry, but her true passion lay in the world of wine. That passion was ignited when Jamila attended a celebration of Black women winemakers, an event that would ultimately inspire her to leave the corporate grind behind and embark on a new venture.

For the second consecutive year, Converge Media and Back2Besa were honored to collaborate with Trap Kitchen PDX, JAM'N 107.5, Jus Family Records, and other incredible community organizations. Together, we provided a heartwarming Thanksgiving dinner, essential hygiene supplies, and other services to our Rose City neighbors in need.

The dynamic Besa Gordon, the driving force behind Back2Besa, brought her infectious energy to Good Day Seattle's FOX 13 Seattle this morning, sharing exciting news with host Erin Mayovsky: Back2Besa is going national on FOX SOUL and will be producing two separate shows one for the national FOX SOUL audience alongside her existing show on FOX 13 Seattle. 

As the newly appointed Shechem (chief) of a Kemetic spiritual organization, Heru Tchaasamen is on a mission to help his community heal and reconnect with their divine nature. "This is where your healing starts. This is where you jump start your goals for 2025 - this is where you re-identify as a divine being," Tchaasamen emphasized.

Somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, ancient mythologies are resurfacing—and Landon Spencer might just be at the heart of it. Converge Music caught up with Spencer about his musical journey and the mythological influences shaping his lyrics.

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.

From a chance discovery to winning a prestigious competition, Hanad's unwavering determination has propelled him to the bright lights of Hollywood, where he continues to captivate audiences with his natural talent and charismatic screen presence.