By Besa Gordon - Y’all, I gotta share this moment with you! Early December, I had the opportunity to sit down with two media legends—Jesse Jones and Essex Porter—and let me tell you, it was next level. If you don’t know them, Jesse is the investigative reporter who’s been holding people accountable for YEARS with his ‘Get Jesse’ segments, helping people resolve issues and navigate scams.

Throwback Alert. One year ago on Back2Besa, we spotlighted “A Note to Self”—a beautiful short project by Cydney Stephen and TT Frost all about pouring into you. Because sometimes we’re so busy pouring into others, we forget to fill our own cups.

By Besa Gordon - I’ve been wanting to try this spot for a minute, especially after featuring it on Back2Besa. Since I wasn’t at that shoot, I had to check it out for myself and see what all the hype was about!

A somber mood settled over Seattle's Central District today as Jackson's Catfish Corner, a culinary landmark and community pillar, served its last meal. The unexpected announcement came this morning via owner Terrell Jackson's Instagram post, leaving patrons and community members stunned and saddened. The line outside the door, filled with people wanting to say their goodbyes and get one last taste of Jackson's famous catfish, spoke volumes about the restaurant's impact.

Garfield Bulldogs and Rainier Beach Vikings face off tonight in the “Hood Classic”, the Vikings 8-2 look to win the first matchup of two against Garfield, and the Bulldogs currently on a five-game winning streak look to extend that against the Vikings on their home floor. The game will take place on the Crawford Court home of Rainier Beach at 8:30pm.

By Besa Gordon - A new year always feels like the perfect time to hit reset and start fresh, and 2025 is no exception. But before we get into what’s next, let me take a moment to look back at 2024. Whew—what a year! There were highs, like signing my second contract with FOX 13 Seattle and taking Back2Besa national on FOX Soul—huge milestones I’ll forever be proud of. But there were also low moments…

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to Washington businesses and residents affected by the Bomb Cyclone that occurred November 17-25, 2024. The disaster declaration, made in response to a request from Governor Jay Inslee, covers Chelan, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Pierce, Snohomish, and Yakima counties.

The Seattle City Council announced today that the application window for the vacant District 2 council position is now open. Interested candidates residing in District 2, representing southeast Seattle, can apply until 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

The tragic death of Amarr Murphy-Paine on June 6th cast a long shadow over the Garfield High School community. A peacemaker by nature, Amarr's life was tragically cut short as he intervened in a fight, just months before his 18th birthday. On the day that would have marked his entry into adulthood, friends, family, and the community gathered on the steps of Garfield High, mere feet from where he was killed, to celebrate Amarr's life, his legacy, and the enduring power of love in the face of tragedy.

This is more than just a video; it's a glimpse into the soul of a community, a celebration of the spirit that refuses to be dimmed. At Converge Media, we are storytellers, weaving narratives of resilience, creativity, and the undeniable power of Black joy.

By Besa Gordon - I finally got to pull up to Moe Vegan in Kent after missing their grand opening, and let me tell you—they did not disappoint! I grabbed the spicy crispy vegan honey chicken wrap and garlic fries, and dude… the flavors were on point! I. Was. SHOCKED. Plus, the vibe inside is super chill—pool table, photobooth, TVs for the game, and a whole lotta positive vibes.

Kwanzaa Lights at Wa Na Wari kicked off with “Dream Nightmare” by Martine Syms, part of her Kita’s World series exploring race, technology, and everyday performances. Visitors took in the outdoor light experience by Tariq Sahali while enjoying hot cocoa and sweets at the historic, Black-owned home.

From paintings and sculptures to jewelry and textiles, the market featured a wide range of artistic expressions. Each piece told a unique story, reflecting the artist's personal journey and cultural heritage. Attendees were captivated by the beauty and craftsmanship on display, and many left with one-of-a-kind treasures.

By Besa Gordon - Alright, let’s be real — we all have that moment when we realize we forgot to grab a gift for someone. If that’s you right now, don’t even trip. The holidays might be over, but the season of giving isn’t! Let me put you on the Buy Black Card.

NBA legend Jamal Crawford continued his tradition of giving back to the community with his 20th annual Jamal Claus Christmas Toy Distribution event, held at the Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club on Christmas Eve.

Our cameras were rolling yesterday when the Seattle Black Fire Fighters Association were holding a press conference on 23rd and E. Pike when they were confronted by a woman who claims to be the new owner of the property.

Located in Benton City, in the heart of Washington's Red Mountain wine-growing region, a unique winery has been making waves, not just for its exceptional wines but also for its heartwarming story and inviting atmosphere.

WeRise Wines, a new wine bar and store in downtown Seattle, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Bruce Harrell. The store's mission is to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the wine industry by showcasing wines from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ owned wineries. 

Cherry Hall is more than just a building; it's a lifeline for many in our community struggling with addiction. As a recovery center for alcohol and drugs, Cherry Hall provides a safe haven where individuals can find support, fellowship, and guidance on their journey to sobriety.

The spirit of giving was alive and well in downtown Portland on December 8th, as Trap Kitchen PDX hosted its 6th Annual Christmas Tree Giveaway at the Roseland Theater. This heartwarming tradition brought together community members, local businesses, and volunteers to spread joy and celebrate the holiday season.