By Besa Gordon - It’s time! Huge thank you to everyone that entered our Buy Black Card by Intentionalist giveaway, I’m super hype to not only pick the winner, but thanks to me teaming up with Presidential Transportation, I’ll even able to deliver them to you personally.

#SupportBlackBusiness - Founder of Intentionalist, Laura Clise, discusses Intentionalist's mission to support diverse local businesses, the Buy Black Card initiative, and Black History Month collaborations with Seattle sports teams to promote intentional spending in black-owned establishments.

Mental Health Expert, Chevonna Gaylor discusses mental health strategies with Trae Holiday, emphasizing the importance of staying present, choosing productive responses to emotions, and maintaining community connections during challenging times.

Experience the power and beauty of Black artistry at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art's "Radiant Reflections" exhibit. This exhibit showcases the immense talent of nine local Black artists: Monae Brown, Charde' Brown, Jessie Lipscomb, Yolanda Galery, Charles Conner, Jeremy Goodie, Symonne Larison-Jones, James Wilson, and Malcolm Ford.

"Back2Besa" is gearing up for a special primetime episode that promises to be a celebration of Black excellence and community. Airing on Saturday, February 15th at 7 pm on FOX 13 Seattle, as well as Sunday at 6 pm and 10 am on FOX13+, this episode will showcase a range of stories and events that highlight the vibrancy and resilience of the Black communities across the region.

Northwest Tap Connection presented Voices of the Civil Rights Movement yesterday at Rainier Beach School's Paul Robeson Performing Arts Center. The performance explored the Civil Rights Movement through music and dance, spanning the Underground Railroad, Harlem Renaissance, the Black Pride movements of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, and the Black Church, with children's songs and a revival of Black pride and African connection.

#SupportBlackBusiness - Catrice Dennis, the self-proclaimed melanated Miss Frizzle, operates her mobile classroom Teaching with Love and Care (TLC) from a shuttle bus based in Federal Way. With the help of her daughter Asiyah Davis, Dennis brings her passion for nature and experiential learning to young children and parents who struggle with aspects of traditional education.

#SupportBlackBusiness One of the businesses that recently reached out for a Black Business Uplift was Noir Lux Candle Bar, a Black-owned candle-making experience in Downtown Seattle. Besa Gordon, Trae Holiday, DeAunte Damper, and Takiyah “T Dub” Ward—stopped by for some team building and to show love to a thriving local business.

Winfield Ezell Jr joins Trae in the Black Media Matters Studio. He talks about his new role with Converge Media as the Chief Storyteller and how he's bringing his longstanding career expertise to the team. Winfield shares his journey from Mississippi to the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing the power of community-driven narratives.

Our Seattle Storm are bringing back a familiar face, as Alysha Clark has reportedly signed with the team as she leaves the Las Vegas Aces in free agency. It's a quieter move for the Storm, but an important one as Clark is still a difference making veteran.

The Black Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) symposium was a resounding success, and DeAunte Damper, host of "We Live in Color" on Converge Media, was in the heart of it.  Not only did he experience the energy of Black excellence and entrepreneurship, but he also received the Elijah L. Lewis Community Advocate Award.

DJ Topspin, also known as Blendiana Jones, shared insights into his innovative approach to DJing during the COVID-19 pandemic in his interview with Trae Holiday. He discussed adapting to online performances using the "tip jar" concept, which allowed DJs to continue their artistry despite venue closures.

The Black Owned Business Excellence Symposium (BOBE) was a resounding success, focusing on Black excellence, business, and elevation. The event provided valuable resources and tools for Black business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, including training sessions and networking opportunities.

Tucked behind a fluorescent mural of fruits and beaches is Taste of the Caribbean and Red Lounge, a vibrant restaurant and bar committed to bringing authentic Jamaican culture to Seattle’s Central District. 

Whitney Williams, the creative force behind Brown Girl Charcuterie, sat down with Trae Holiday to recount her unexpected entry into the world of charcuterie, sparked by a desire to host a memorable birthday party. Whitney emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses and creating lasting memories for her clients.

Dr. Renee McCoy discusses HIV's ongoing impact on Black communities, urging action, education, and support. She promotes a town hall meeting to address stigma and improve prevention and care access.

The seventh annual Seattle Black College Expo recently took place at Rainier Beach High School, offering a wealth of opportunities for students to explore historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other educational institutions. The event featured over 50 colleges, providing on-the-spot acceptance for some attendees, and included the presence of black-owned businesses and organizations.

The town hall will combine education and open conversation. A panel of subject experts and individuals with lived experience will discuss various aspects of HIV in Black communities. Topics will include prevention, treatment, advocacy, and the social factors that contribute to the ongoing impact of HIV.

Arte Noir stands as a cultural cornerstone in Seattle's Central District, celebrating Black art and creativity. This black art specialty shop and fine arts gallery, founded by respected local figure Vivian Phillips and managed by her daughter Jazmyn Scott, serves as a vibrant showcase for the talents of the Black community.

In his interview with Trae Holiday, La’Keith Asphy owner of Presidential Transportation shared the inspiring story of his transportation business's expansion, speaking about the pride of owning commercial vehicles with his name on them, a rarity among Black business owners. Asphy detailed his company's growth from a small limo service to a fleet including luxury coaches and party buses.