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#TBT: Poet Chelsey Richardson’s “Still Golden” in the Black Media Matters Studio
In October of 2021, Converge Media commissioned Seattle-based Poet & Author Chelsey Richardson to compose a spoken word piece to commemorate the launch of our Black Media Matters Studio in downtown Seattle and specifically to uplift our iconic interview wall, which was curated by the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and designed by Creative Lou.
"Architects of Equity": Ada Developers Academy's Role in Shaping the Future of AI in Seattle
Seattle's historic Pier 70 buzzed with excitement on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, as the city officially launched the AI House, a groundbreaking public-private partnership aimed at solidifying Seattle's position as the AI Hub of the United States. The initiative brings together the City of Seattle, AI2 (Allen Institute for AI), Ada Developers Academy, and the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Honoring Legacy, Uplifting the Future: A Look Inside the Trailblazing Black Women Brunch
On March 30, 2025, the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle’s Central District was filled with joy, reverence, and celebration as the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Guild hosted its first annual Trailblazing Black Women in Washington State brunch.
Seattle's Art Scene Explodes with "TF9: Now + Later" Showcase
SEATTLE, WA—Last month, AXIS Pioneer Square was transformed into a vibrant hub of artistic expression when The Feels Foundation presented its ninth annual art showcase, "TF9: Now + Later," on March 22, 2025. The event drew a diverse crowd eager to explore the themes of identity, self-discovery, and transformation through various artistic mediums.
Streaming, Scoops, and Streetwear: A Pop-Up to Remember at ETC Tacoma
During ETC Tacoma’s highly anticipated Spring Line launch, the already swaggy atmosphere got a sweet surprise—literally. As part of Women’s History Month, Back2Besa and FOX 13 Seattle teamed up with Molly Moon’s for a surprise pop-up, offering free scoops of ice cream, including a special vegan cookies and cream flavor created by Back2Besa host Besa Gordon.
Noelle Quinn: Leading with Heart, Building a Legacy at the Seattle Storm
Last month, inside the Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance, a conversation unfolded that went beyond Xs and Os. It was an exploration of leadership, resilience, and the profound impact of mentorship. I sat down with Noelle Quinn, the head coach of the Seattle Storm, to delve into her journey, her philosophy, and her vision for the future of the team and women in sports.
The GvGallery, The Journey From West Seattle to Across The World
Clothes were secondary in the eyes of J. Raspberry, Owner of the Gold Vintage clothing brand, now referred to as Raspberry Hills, who is hosting a pop-up shop at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners, this Saturday, April 5, from 1pm to 6pm.
Back2Besa: Poetry, Art, AI, and Hoops! This Week's Jam-Packed Episode
Get ready for an electrifying episode of Back2Besa that's bursting with creativity, community, and conversation! This week, Besa Gordon welcomes you back with the soul-stirring poem "Still Golden" by the incredibly talented Chelsey Richardson, setting the perfect tone for National Poetry Month. Prepare to be moved by the power and beauty of spoken word as we kick things off in the Black Media Matters Studio.
Besa Gordon Spotlights AI House Grand Opening on Good Day Seattle
Besa Gordon appeared on FOX 13 Seattle’s Good Day Seattle to discuss the grand opening of AI House at Pier 70—a new incubator supporting AI startups while creating space for women and communities of color to thrive in tech.
More Than Just Ballpark Food: Besa Gordon Goes Inside the 2025 Mariners Food Preview at T-Mobile Park
For the third year in a row, Besa Gordon attended the exclusive Mariners Food Preview—an invite-only event where selected members of the media get an early taste of what’s new at T-Mobile Park.
Ray A. Rogers Challenges Sara Nelson for the All-City Council Seat
Ray A. Rogers, a lifelong South Seattleite and community advocate, officially announced his campaign for the District 9 all-city council position on March 21. After publicly endorsing the current Council President and his longtime mentor Sara Nelson with passion and persuasiveness in 2021, Rogers’ bid to unseat Nelson expands on their shared values with an intensely community-minded approach.
JWalk Entertainment: A Progressive Production Company Aims to Take Seattle by Storm
#SupportBlackBusiness - An empowering combination of Black storytelling and cutting-edge production technology defines the Seattle-based production company JWalk Entertainment. Featured in comic conventions and film festivals across the country, JWalk is fueled by the owner and founder TJ Walker and his boundless desire to serve youth.
Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream Announces Spring/Summer Hiring Spree
Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream is gearing up for the busy spring and summer seasons and is looking to expand its team. Elboine Henry, Director of Human Resources at Molly Moon's, recently reached out to share news about their recruitment drive.
Hey, Black Seattle! Celebrates One Year of Connecting and Empowering the Community
Hey Black Seattle!, a vital online resource hub, recently marked its one-year anniversary of being live, sparking reflection and renewed focus for its founder, Kiesha B. Free. In a recent interview on “The Day with Trey” hosted by Trae Holliday, Free shared insights into the platform’s journey, achievements, and future plans.
The 2025 GSBA Impact Awards: A Night of Celebration and Recognition
The 2025 GSBA Impact Awards at Seattle Town Hall proved to be an unforgettable evening of celebration and recognition. The event honored the individuals, businesses, and organizations making a powerful difference in the LGBTQ+ and allied communities across Washington State.
Jimi Hendrix Honored with Washington State’s Highest Civilian Award, the Medal of Merit
Olympia, WA – In a ceremony decades in the making, the legendary Jimi Hendrix was posthumously awarded the Washington State Medal of Merit. The event, held at the state capitol, celebrated Hendrix’s profound and lasting impact on music and culture. This highest civilian honor recognizes individuals who have provided exceptionally meritorious service to Washington and its residents.
DEFY Super 8XGP: A Night of Indie Wrestling History in Seattle
On March 15, 2025, Seattle’s historic Washington Hall transformed into a battleground as DEFY Wrestling hosted its highly anticipated Super 8XGP event. With the DEFY World Championship vacated, the night was set up for a high-stakes tournament that would determine a new champion — and possibly usher in a new era for independent wrestling in the Pacific Northwest.
Is Seattle Doing Enough? Audit Questions City's Gun Violence Response
The Seattle Office of City Auditor has released a report detailing current gun violence patterns in Seattle and offering four recommendations to better understand and address the issue. The report, dated March 25, 2025, highlights a significant increase in gun violence in the city over the past decade, with a sustained post-pandemic rise in shootings.
Puccini's Tosca Returns to Seattle Opera with Classic Production and Vintage Sets
Seattle Opera is set to close its 2024/25 season with a bang, bringing back Giacomo Puccini's thrilling melodrama, Tosca. This classic production, returning to McCaw Hall for the first time since 2015, promises to be a visual and auditory feast, featuring an international cast and stunning vintage painted sets.
BLKBRY: Addressing the Black Maternal Health Crisis Through Reproductive Justice
Burien, WA – Across the Seattle-Metro area, an organization named BLKBRY is making waves by addressing critical gaps in Black maternal health and fostering a powerful community of advocates. Founded on reproductive justice and cultural empowerment principles, BLKBRY recently hosted a significant event, "Pass The Yams," reinforcing its commitment to educating and supporting the community it serves.