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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.

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Converge Music Emma Schwichtenberg Converge Music Emma Schwichtenberg

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.

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Back2Besa Besa Gordon Back2Besa Besa Gordon

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.

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The Day With Trae, Converge On The Road Omari Salisbury The Day With Trae, Converge On The Road Omari Salisbury

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.

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Back2Besa, Good Day Seattle, Arts & Culture Besa Gordon Back2Besa, Good Day Seattle, Arts & Culture Besa Gordon

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.

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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.

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Back2Besa, Buy Black Card, Support Black Business Emma Schwichtenberg Back2Besa, Buy Black Card, Support Black Business Emma Schwichtenberg

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.

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Back2Besa, Arts & Culture Omari Salisbury Back2Besa, Arts & Culture Omari Salisbury

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.

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Back2Besa, Arts & Culture Besa Gordon Back2Besa, Arts & Culture Besa Gordon

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.

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Converge Music Emma Schwichtenberg Converge Music Emma Schwichtenberg

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.

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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.

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