What an inspiring gathering it was! The seventh annual Edmonds International Women's Day event at the Edmonds Waterfront Center was a powerful reminder of women's strength, resilience, and unity. Filled with diverse voices, heartfelt stories, and a shared commitment to self-care and community support, the event left a lasting impression on everyone present.

Get ready for an action-packed episode of Back2Besa this weekend! Besa Gordon is bringing you a show full of celebrations, history-making moments, and some exciting "firsts." From awards ceremonies to wrestling rings to golf courses, this episode has it all.

The familiar chime of your DoorDash delivery notification might soon be accompanied by a new question: "Want to pay in installments?" Yes, the "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) revolution has officially arrived at your takeout order, and it's raising eyebrows and sparking debate.

Dianna Kennedy is a woman of many facets. Between being the reigning Mrs. Washington Curvé 2025 and a committed wife and mother of seven children, she owns and operates a full-service salon and spa, The Makeup Within Beauty Studios in Milton. 

Myesha Mitchell's journey is one of resilience, purpose, and community. In a recent interview on "The Day With Trae" with guest host Deaunte Damper, Myesha shared her inspiring story and the driving force behind her business, My Time For Massage.

Besa Gordon, host of Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle, brought a surge of energy to Good Day Seattle this morning during a lively segment with Erin Mayovsky to preview this weekend’s episode. The topic? DEFY Northwest, a professional wrestling organization that clearly holds a special place in Besa's heart.

Seattle’s Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) is set to host a powerful and moving exhibition, "Mandela: The Official Exhibition," opening on Saturday, May 24, 2025. This immersive experience will explore the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, the global icon of justice, resilience, and reconciliation.

Brian Gatewood Sr., Founder and CEO of Innovative Change Makers (ICM), recently shared insights into his organization's impactful work during an interview on "The Day With Trae" with guest host Deaunte Damper on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Brian discussed ICM's mission to uplift the community, with a particular focus on youth engagement. ICM provides after-school programming, community events, and resources aimed at creating positive change.

#ThrowbackThursday - Nestled within the vibrant tapestry of Seattle's Central District lies a rich history of beer parlors and breweries that have left an indelible mark on the local community. From the bustling beer parlors of the 1940s to the dynamic craft breweries of today, the Central District has been a hub of beer culture for generations.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has ignited a firestorm of controversy following its ill-advised removal and subsequent hasty restoration of a webpage dedicated to Jackie Robinson’s military service. This action, executed under the guise of revising online diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content, has exposed a deeply troubling disregard for the accurate portrayal of Black American contributions to military history.

Elijah Baker, a Transformation Coach and Master Personal Trainer, recently shared his insights on fitness, nutrition, and mindset in an insightful interview on "The Day With Trae" with guest host Deaunte Damper. With over 16 years of experience in the fitness industry and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Eastern Washington University, Elijah, the owner of Always Winning Fitness, brought a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. He emphasized that his mission is to help the community win by transforming lives both mentally and physically.

A complex legal battle involving a Seattle property and the Seattle Black Firefighters Association (SBFFA) continues to unfold, marked by court hearings, contempt orders, and disputes over hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds. Yohannes Sium, the attorney representing the plaintiffs Erwin Chappelle, Clarence Williams, and Cardell Thompson, provided an update on the ongoing proceedings, highlighting both delays and potential avenues for resolution.

Victory Hall in SODO was electric last Thursday as the “Ladies First Marketplace” and the unique “Take Me Out to the Quad - An HBCU Vibe Bingo Experience” took center stage, creating a vibrant celebration of Black women-owned businesses and community fellowship. This event, part of the larger HBCU Seattle Series presented by Baseball Beyond Border, featured a three-game matchup between Seattle University and Coppin State University (HBCU) Baseball teams, focused on empowering entrepreneurs and fostering a lively, culturally rich atmosphere and letting the Coppin State University Blad Eagles know they were welcome in the Emerald City. 

Derrick Brown, known to many as Vitamin D, recently shared his extensive music industry experience in an interview on "The Day With Trae" with guest host Deaunte Damper. With nearly 30 years in the Seattle music scene, Derrick discussed his journey from b-boying to becoming a renowned record producer, DJ, and audio engineer. He has made significant contributions to the music world, collaborating with artists such as Macklemore, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Nas, and Snoop Dogg, and creating the iconic "Big Rich Town" theme song for the TV series Power.

Get ready for an exciting weekend of innovation and creativity! The Seattle AI Film Festival (SAIFF) is just around the corner, and it's an event you won't want to miss. Happening on March 29th and 30th at the M5 Creative Hub in downtown Seattle (401 Mercer St.), SAIFF is your chance to explore the cutting-edge world where artificial intelligence meets filmmaking.

#SupportBlackBusiness - Hey y'all, Trae Holiday here, and let me tell you, I just had the most AMAZING time at Flora & Fauna in the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle. If you're a plant lover, a vinyl enthusiast, or someone who just appreciates good vibes and eco-friendly living, this is THE spot you need to check out.

The March 2025 CD Art Walk in Seattle's Central District was a deliberate effort to energize the neighborhood, spotlight local artists, and support Black-owned businesses. Stephanie Morales, the coordinator of the CD Art Walk and executive director of Made Space Seattle, stated the goal was to bring "energy, money, and attention" to the Central District, and importantly, to show "the history of the Central District and the people of the Central District."

By Besa Gordon - To my fellow Queens out there, if no one told you today, this week, this month or even this year…. You ARE enough, you ARE valued, and you ARE loved. Every time you show up, whether on the court, the field, in your business or for yourself, you’re inspiring the next generation.

Graffiti is everywhere—on city walls, alleyways, and murals that tell stories in vibrant color. For some, it’s an art form; for others, it’s misunderstood. The Vivid Matter Collective’s (VMC) co-founder’s Takiyah Ward, and Moses Sun recently set out to challenge perceptions and inspire young creatives by hosting a graffiti workshop for students from the Jack and Jill Seattle chapter.

Seattle 1960s Civil Rights Movement pushed to crush barriers and bring about awareness and just treatment across all vital and basic human needs and rights. Community-based organizations, some with national affiliations and all with volunteers who were dedicated to the causes they strongly supported, were advocates for equity in housing, education, jobs, and actively protested police brutality and demanded police accountability.