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African Journalists Find Inspiration and Community at the Black Media Matters Studio
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.
Seattle City Council Seeks Replacement for Councilmember Morales
The Seattle City Council is looking for qualified candidates to fill the District 2 council seat, which will become vacant on January 6, 2025, due to Councilmember Tammy Morales' resignation.
Navigating Music, Identity, and Authenticity: A Conversation with Amelia Day
Amelia Day, a queer folk rock powerhouse carving out her own space alongside legends like Brandi Carlile, has been chasing music since the days she banged on pots and pans as a toddler. Even back then, Day had a knack for making noise that turned heads (or at least caught her parents’ attention). By the time she was five, her fascination with the family’s upright piano blossomed into formal lessons, thanks to her parents, who were casual piano players themselves. Watching them play always lit a fire in her, and she was determined to create that same magic.
Kid-preneurs Take Center Stage at Tacoma Children's Business Fair
Over 50 young entrepreneurs, ranging in age from 5 to 17, participated in the fair, displaying their creativity and business savvy. GZ Radio was on the scene, interviewing several of these impressive kid-preneurs, including:
Trae Holiday Inspired by Kenyan Creativity at One Vibe Africa
By Trae Holiday - Today was truly inspiring! I had the incredible opportunity to visit the One Vibe Africa offices in Kisumu, the masterminds behind the Madaraka Festival. Let me tell you, this place is amazing! It's a vibrant cultural hub that's making a real difference in the community.
Body Mechanic's MixxedFit: A High-Energy Path to Health
The Langston Hughes Center is proving its commitment to community health and wellness by hosting innovative fitness programs like MixxedFit. This unique dance fitness program, led by the dynamic Deon Abdullah, also known as the "Bodi Mechanik," is making waves at the center.
Reliving the Magic of WildLanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo
It's that time of year again when the Woodland Park Zoo transforms into a magical wonderland of lights for WildLanterns! Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to experience this event firsthand, and I'm excited to share my memories and some behind-the-scenes insights with you. So, let's take a trip back in time and relive the magic of my personal tour of WildLanterns with Craig Newberry, a Public Relations Specialist for the Woodland Park Zoo.
PHOTOS: BigXthaPlug Hits Seattle’s Neumos Stage
BigXthaPlug came to Seattle and hit the Neumos stage on December 8th. See photos from his performance below through the lens of Marvin Patterson.
A 4 Apple Learning Center Receives Grant from Hazel Danielle Clayton Foundation
On Dec. 11, 2024, staff and community members gathered at A 4 Apple Learning Center to celebrate the school’s third anniversary on 23rd and Jackson and its receipt of a grant from the Hazel Danielle Clayton (HDC) Foundation.
Nubian Knots and New Adventures: Trae Holiday Soaks In Kenyan Culture
Today was incredible! I spent the day exploring Mombasa with Shirley (@zyl_shirley,) who showed me around like a true local. We hit up the market, where Shirley made sure I was treated properly and gave me some personal insight into the city and culture. Then, we strolled along the waterfront and had the most amazing lunch at Char-Choma.
Besa Gordon Shines a Light on Scope Screenings and Seattle's Creative Community
Yesterday morning, Besa Gordon, the dynamic host of Back2Besa, joined Mireya Garcia on Good Day Seattle to celebrate the successful conclusion of Scope Screenings' 2024 season. The Seattle-based film festival, now in its third year, has become a vital platform for local filmmakers and artists to showcase their work, fostering a vibrant and supportive creative community.
Little Red's: A Labor of Love Feeding Seattle's Soul
"I love feeding people. I love watching people eat my food," says Erasto “Red” Jackson, owner of Little Red's Take Out and Catering. Red's passion for food and community shines through in every aspect of his restaurant, from the carefully crafted menu to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Besa's Buy Black Card Brunch: A Sold-Out Celebration of Community and Black-Owned Businesses
Seattle's Central District was abuzz with excitement as the first annual Besa's Buy Black Card Brunch filled Simply Soulful Cafe with a sold-out crowd. The event, a vibrant celebration of Black culture, cuisine, and entrepreneurship, exemplifies the strength of community and the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses.
Spokane NAACP Freedom Fund Gala: A Night of Inspiration, Unity, and Black Excellence
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.
Rewind and Relive the Magic: My Backstage Nutcracker Adventure
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.
Langston and CD Forum's Creative Empowerment Program Uplifts Black Artistry
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.
TS the Solution: Spokane's Bridge-Builder and Dream-Chaser
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.
Touchdown in Mombasa!
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.
Preparing for the Upcoming "Respiratory Season" with CDC's Dr. Amy Xie
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: From Small-Town Roots to Seattle's Blues Scene
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.