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Black Fire Fighters Await Judge's Decision on Historic House Sale
Members of the Seattle Black Firefighters Association (SBFFA) gathered at the King County Superior Court House in Kent today hoping for a ruling on the Association's house they say was illegally sold.
Besa Gordon Set to Launch International Radio Show "The Rewind"
Get ready to tune in to a new era of radio as Besa Gordon, the dynamic media personality and host of Back2Besa, launches her internationally syndicated radio show, The Rewind With Besa, in Summer 2025!
Bite Me Cookies: The Sweet Taste of Success
Deb Tuggle, President of Bite Me Inc., has spread cookie love since 1995. Since acquiring Bite Me Inc. in 2004, Deb’s business acumen and passion for baking have grown Bite Me Cookies into a company that produces between 14,000 and 17,000 cookies an hour!
TDUB & Art of the Matter Returns for Season Two This Spring
Get ready for the highly anticipated return of "Art of the Matter," the show by, for, and about artists! Hosted by the talented Takiyah "TDUB" Ward, Season Two is set to premiere this spring, promising even more captivating insights into the world of art and culture.
“The Mixer: Making Portland Home” Was A Success
The Mixer powered by WKSocial, was hosted in Portland, Oregon at The Evergreen PDX on December 27. A sold-out that was filled with beneficial information to be obtained and shared as the audience had the chance to hear from Executive Directors, CEO’s, Musicians, Founders, Reality TV stars, Sports Marketers.
Erik Kalligraphy to Lead Converge Music, Culture, & Lifestyle
We are pleased to announce that Converge Media Co-Founder Erik Kalligraphy will be taking the helm as the head of our newly formed Music, Culture, & Lifestyle division and the Converge Music platform.
Black Art In Black Spaces, Covered R&B Event Displayed Success
Covered a live R&B experience took place in Seattle’s very own Columbia City at Black and Tan Hall, Converge Media’s Deaunte Damper attended the event where he caught up with Teme Wokoma, owner of Sankofa Theater and Spirit of Ire Productions. An active advocate for showcasing Black art in Black spaces, Wakoma put on the event with extreme gratitude for Besa Gordon while honoring her late business partner Elijah Lewis.
Tapping Into History: Pamela Yasutake's Journey and Influence in Dance
As we look back at some of our favorite moments from Back2Besa in 2024, one standout interview was with professional tap dancer Pamela Yasutake. Pamela, who began tap dancing at the age of nine, has turned her lifelong passion into a thriving career, performing and teaching tap across the globe. Here’s a look at Pamela’s story, how she got started, and her dedication to keeping tap dancing alive for the next generation.
Setting Pure Intentions for the New Year: Heru TchaasAmen Talks Aligning Your Energy and Purpose
As we welcome a new year, many of us find ourselves thinking about what we want to achieve and the goals we want to set. But how can we ensure that the intentions we set are truly aligned with our purpose and are achievable in the long run? Qigong instructor Instructor Heru TchaasAmen joined The Day With Trae last January to share his insights on how to approach setting intentions in a way that will have a lasting, positive impact.
La Familia's Last Call: A Community Bids Farewell After 3.5 Years
It was with mixed emotions I found myself standing amidst the remnants of another beloved Black-owned business, Jackson's Catfish Corner, as they closed their doors for the last time last Friday after 40 years in business. The weight of that loss still hung heavy in the air when I received a call from Marie Kidhe, delivering news that didn’t make things much better: La Familia Sports Bar in Des Moines was shutting down for good on Sunday.
Winfield Ezell Jr. Named Chief Storyteller at Converge Media
Converge Media is pleased to announce the appointment of Winfield Ezell Jr. as its new Chief Storyteller. Ezell has been an integral part of the Converge Media team, directing the TV show Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle and FOX SOUL, as well as directing impactful films like "Facing the Reign," which tells the story of Jessa Thomas, the first African American Miss Teen Rodeo Washington. His directorial work also includes "Sankofa Theater Inscape Finale" and the Emmy-nominated "Reconciliation Tour”.
Hollingsworth Stands with Black Firefighters in Fight to Reclaim Historic House
A passionate plea for justice and the preservation of Black heritage echoed through Seattle's Central District yesterday as members of the Seattle Black Fire Fighters Association (SBFFA) rallied in front of their former house. The gathering was a call to action, raising awareness about the Association's fight to reclaim the house they say was illegally sold and to galvanize support ahead of a crucial court date next week.
A Historical Hood Classic, Results In A Rainier Beach Win
With the walls sweating, bleachers filled on both sides both Garfield and Rainier Beach put on a show for those in person as this was the last ‘Hood Classic’ to be played in this gym as the school is set to be remodeled. Rainier Beach’s Kaden Powers, Jaylen Petty, and Keaundre Morris led the way for a Vikings victory.
Learning from the Best: Besa’s Inspiring Lunch with Jesse Jones and Essex Porter
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.
How “A Note to Self” Reminds Us to Keep Loving Ourselves
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.
Digging Into the Hype: Besa Gordon Visits Fat’s Chicken and Waffles
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!
Jackson's Catfish Corner Closes: A Seattle Institution Shuttered Amidst Changing Tides
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.
The Classic Heard Around Washington, Garfield vs. Rainier Beach
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.
Embracing the Joys of Life: Besa Gordon's Goals for 2025
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…
SBA Opens Disaster Loan Program for Washington Bomb Cyclone
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.