In last night’s episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O was joined by Laura Clise, founder and CEO of Intentionalist, to discuss the special edition Buy Black Card and the power of gathering changemakers to drive local impact.

Joining them was Harold Fields, founder of Umami Kushi, who shared his journey as a community-driven entrepreneur in Seattle’s South End and reflected on the growth of his business through Converge Media’s Support Black Business campaign.

Together, they dove into why circulating dollars within our communities is more important than ever and how we can all show up for local Black-owned businesses.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, host Deaunte Damper sat down with Sean Goode, founder of Movement Makers, TED speaker, and dedicated advocate for community well-being. Together, they explore the intersections of grace, leadership, and justice, while diving into conversations about mental health, pressing issues facing Seattle’s Black and brown communities, and how to move with grace.

Last night’s episode of The Pop-Up! kicked off International Men's Health Week with host Deaunte Damper and two influential community advocates. Joining the program were former State Representative Jesse Johnson and Cortez Charles, the founder of the Fatherhood Accountability Movement, for a conversation on the importance of men's health in the modern era. This special broadcast highlights the roles these men play in community advocacy while exploring essential health topics and beyond.

Friday night on The Pop-Up!, Tacoma media professional and culture curator, Elisha Michelle, was back in the hosting seat for another Tacoma Takeover episode. Elisha, the visionary behind The Legendary Dope Show and the Legendary AF brand, spotlighted two renowned artists from the 253: KGodd and Sentu Taylor.

KGodd is a Federal Way, Washington-based artist bringing authentic West Coast flavor to the forefront. Versatile in his craft but rooted in that signature West Coast sound, KGodd is building momentum with his sights set on a global stage. With new music on the way, he’s just getting started on putting his city where it belongs: on the map.

Sentu Taylor is a Tacoma-bred creative entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of art, culture, and community. As the founder of the clothing brand “Random Idiot,” Sentu built a brand around the idea that self-awareness beats self-absorption, symbolized by a lightbulb wearing a dunce cap. Sentu is a published author, film writer, blogger, and graphic designer.

Thursday night on The Pop-Up!, host The Big O welcomed Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes and City Attorney Erika Evans for a deep dive into the city's public safety challenges. Following their recent joint press conference at City Hall that same day, the guests broke down the escalating crisis on Aurora Avenue, addressing urgent community concerns regarding the intersection of gun violence and sex trafficking.

The conversation moved beyond the immediate headlines to examine the systemic impact of these issues on Black Seattleites, offering a frank discussion on the balance between legislative response, community advocacy, and the shared commitment to building a safer, more equitable future for all residents.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, host The Big O was joined by cultural producers and community leaders Jerome "JD" Davis and Naudia Miller for a conversation on the importance of community-controlled spaces and the enduring significance of Juneteenth.

They will explore the ongoing work of WayOut Kids and the Seattle Black Panther Party Interpretive Center, respectively, in fostering youth empowerment, preserving Black history, and cultivating safe, resilient environments across the Pacific Northwest.

On last night’s episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O sat down with two impactful community leaders who are shaping the future of Seattle. Real estate developer and author Jaebadiah Gardner, CEO of GardnerGlobal, joins us to discuss the current state of affordable housing in Seattle's gentrified neighborhoods and share updates on The Sarah Queen project.

The host also welcomed David Long, Executive Director of Testimony Praise Worship Gatherings, to explore how his organization is tackling the fentanyl epidemic through community connection and education, while discussing the intersection of his sales coaching expertise and advocacy work, as well as his upcoming "Showing The Lost What Found Looks Like" fundraising event this Thursday, June 11 at the Art Love Salon.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, we welcomed King County Superior Court Judge Sean O'Donnell and community leader Melvin Slaughter for a conversation on justice and civic engagement.

Judge O’Donnell, who has served on the bench since 2013 with extensive experience in family, civil, and criminal law, will discuss his experiences trying sex trafficking cases on Aurora Avenue and the overarching role of the court.

Melvin Slaughter, the founder of Solutions for Seattle, will share his inspirational journey of personal transformation and his mission to foster collaboration and celebrate Seattle’s youth, including a look ahead at the upcoming Solutions for Seattle Day on June 17.

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weeknights at 9 p.m. on all Converge Media streaming platforms.

On last Thursday's episode of The Pop-Up!, we continued "Together We End Gun Violence Week" with guests Kimberly Wyatt, King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and Karyn Brownson, Seattle & King County Lock It Up Program Manager.

The conversation explored key firearm safety and legal measures, covering the role of the Prosecuting Attorney, the function of emergency and civil protection orders, and how the Lock-It-Up program helps residents store firearms safely.

Converge Media partnered with the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) for "Together We End Gun Violence Week" because both organizations are committed to owning the narrative around gun violence and public safety. This partnership is a strategic "takeover" of The Pop-Up!, which is explicitly designed to bring meaningful news, culture, and conversation to Seattle’s Black community–a community disproportionately affected by gun violence.

On Friday’s episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O explored the work of gun violence prevention and community advocacy alongside special guests Gregory Joseph, Communications Director for the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, and King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) Youth Ambassadors for Change Joshua Wheeldon and Melodie Slaughter.

While Joseph discussed the Alliance’s efforts to empower survivors and influence policy, the Youth Ambassadors shared their perspectives on the impact of gun violence and the necessity of youth voices in shaping our future.

Converge Media partnered with ROGVP for "Together We End Gun Violence Week" because both organizations are committed to owning the narrative around gun violence and public safety. This partnership is a strategic "takeover" of The Pop-Up!, which is designed to bring meaningful news, culture, and conversation to Seattle’s Black community–a community disproportionately affected by gun violence.

On last night’s episode of The Pop-Up!, we continue our "Together We End Gun Violence Week" series with special guests Eddie Purpose, Founder and Executive Director of Progress Pushers, and Marvin Marshall, Executive Director of the Freedom Project.

Alongside host The Big O, the guests discussed the importance of leveraging lived experience in public safety work, the necessity of collective community action, and how partnering with established systems can lead to more effective violence prevention.

They also highlighted the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention’s 6th Annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day Gun Lockbox Giveaway happening this Friday, June 5.

Converge Media is partnering with the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) for "Together We End Gun Violence Week" because both organizations are committed to owning the narrative around gun violence and public safety. This partnership is a strategic "takeover" of The Pop-Up!, which is explicitly designed to bring meaningful news, culture, and conversation to Seattle’s Black community–a community disproportionately affected by gun violence.

This episode of The Pop-Up! is part of Together We End Gun Violence Week—a special series centering community, survivors, and public health solutions. Host The Big O was joined by:

• Eleuthera Lisch – Director, King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention

• Deaunte Damper – Community Engagement Specialist, King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention

• Ariana Donneville – Communications Lead and survivor of gun violence

Together, they broke down what it really means to take a public health approach to gun violence—treating it like a disease that can be prevented, interrupted, and healed when **community and government move in alignment. In this episode, they discuss:

• How the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention coordinates with mayors, police chiefs, schools, and community organizations across seven geographic areas of the county

• The role of community-led public safety through groups like Community Passageways, Urban Family, Freedom Project, and Progress Pushers

• Rapid response and stabilization for families, apartment complexes, and neighborhoods after shootings

• Prevention and harm reduction tools, including Stop the Bleed trainings and free firearm lock box giveaways across King County

• The emotional and spiritual labor of survivors and families—fathers, mothers, and loved ones—turning pain into purpose

• The connection between Pride, public safety, and the ongoing work to keep LGBTQIA+ and Black communities safe

You’ll also hear personal reflections from Ariana on losing her mother to gun violence as a child and how that shapes her work today, and from Eleuthera and Deaunte on why this is more than a job—it’s a mission. This week is a reminder: ending gun violence is not just government’s job or community’s job—it’s all of us. Together We End Gun Violence.

Tune into The Pop-Up! all week as the conversation continues with survivors, organizers, and leaders who are building real safety across Seattle and King County.

Last night, The Pop-Up! launches "Together We End Gun Violence Week,” presented in partnership with the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The Big O sat down with Jenine Lewis, Founder of Solace, and Lonnisha Landry, Founder of Just/Us Loved Ones.

The conversation will focus on their personal journeys as survivors, exploring how they have navigated grief, found hope, and why their experience is essential when addressing gun violence. Jenine and Lonnisha will also share information about their respective organizations (Solace and Just/Us Love Ones), discuss what "together we end gun violence" means to them, and highlight upcoming events like the Solace Weave walk on June 6th.

Friday. night on The Pop-Up!, guest Tealshawn "TK" Turner, a local activist and Seattle University student, joined The Big O in the Black Media Matters Studio to share her perspective on the current state of social justice equity in Seattle, her experiences with student life in Capitol Hill, and an assessment of the progress made since the 2020 protests, including what still needs to be accomplished.

Plus, TK and The Big O recapped top headlines, including the police search for a Capitol Hill college student over mass shooting concerns, the launch of the King County Housing Authority's new youth safety and belonging programs in Kent and Auburn, and the upcoming construction of the $42 million Tubman Health Center in Rainier Beach.

Thursday’s episode of The Pop-Up! featured guest LaTanya Horace DuBois, the founder of The Silent Task Force, who tackled the issue of sex trafficking during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, in addition to addressing the “culture of violence” in Seattle and the Ebony Alert Initiative.

The show will also recap the day's major headlines, covering the resignation of Jon Grant, the leader of Mayor Katie Wilson’s shelter expansion plan; the request by Washington health insurers for a third consecutive double-digit rate hike; the launch of a new UW app to help the public locate “little free pantries”; and Dr. Kemi Doll’s new book on the gynecological health crisis facing Black women.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, CEO and community leader Arron Murphy-Paine joined The Big O for a discussion on transforming personal loss into meaningful advocacy in the face of gun violence.

Honoring the legacy of his late son, Amarr Murphy-Paine, Arron discussed his work through Amarr's Heart Foundation, explored what justice looks like in the community, and shared details about upcoming events.

Additionally, The Big O and Arron recapped recent headlines on FIFA World Cup ticket sales, declining rates of deathly shootings in King County, and recent approval of Boeing production expansion. The Foundation’s upcoming events include the City Hall Proclamation of Amarr Murphy-Paine Day on June 2nd, the first annual Chalk & Talk Event on June 4th, and the Gun Violence Awareness Summit on June 5th. He will also introduce his upcoming book, P.A.In.E (Purpose Acknowledged In Everything): Unlocking Your Purpose Through Grief.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, host Omari Salisbury welcomed Elisheba Wokoma, Co-Executive Director of Wa Na Wari, and play director Jacqueline Ware for a conversation on the state of Black art in Seattle and local headlines, community, and culture. They talked about Mayor Katie Wilson’s recent decisions along Lake Washington, potential new zoning requirements in the Central District, and the opening of ARTE NOIR’s new exhibition honoring the Black Panthers.

This weekend, Wa Na Wari is hosting the Black Graduation Art Fair Saturday, May 30th, and Sunday, May 31st. Also on Saturday, Ware’s new play “Second Chance House” debuts at The Sanctuary: RBPC.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, host The Big O welcomed Ché Davis, the Financial Literacy Chair of the NAACP Alaska Oregon Washington State Area Conference, for a conversation on expanding economic opportunity in the Black community and the organization’s upcoming Community Leaders Luncheon on June 11.

The discussion focused on financial empowerment initiatives like Baby Bonds, the importance of community leadership in expanding awareness and access to these economic opportunities in Washington, while also previewing the upcoming NAACP Community Leaders Luncheon featuring State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti.

Plus, the duo will recap current headlines, addressing new social housing developments in Seattle, Washington high schools ranking low in personal finance literacy and the proposal for a new financial literacy graduation requirement, and the Mariners’ recent $25,000 donation to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) in Kansas City.

The Converge Media crew—Deaunte Damper, Ashleigh McCurdy, and The Big O—recently broke down the block's biggest headlines, from Mayor Katie Wilson’s update on her comments about millionaires and former Mayor Bruce Harrell’s unexpected pivot to a green-tech startup CEO role, to the city’s controversial new street vendor crackdowns ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

They also discussed the Washington Attorney General's $2.25 million hammer on a deceptive home-cleaning subscription scam, the heavy humanitarian reality of U.S. deportations landing in Sierra Leone, and a new era of civil rights leadership with newly elected Seattle-King County NAACP President Hayward Evans.

Plus, the crew is keeping it entirely real with a deep dive into whether 23rd and Jackson is still the true cultural heart of the Central District, the hilariously complicated state of dating in Seattle, and what should be your weekend soundtrack.

From the PDX to the SEA tonight, Converge producer Juma Blaq and Justin Fogarty from Talk A Mile, a Portland-based organization that aims to connect students with civic leaders and educators to improve the community, joined The Pop-Up!

Major headlines for tonight’s show include: a discussion on youth mental health following the Seahawks' "Strong Youth Strong Communities" Summit, and the controversial effort by Portland Councilor Olivia Clark to divert $10 million from police oversight to address public safety cuts.

Seattle icons "Tha Def Chef" Jimaine Miller and revolutionary therapist and author Ashley McGirt-Adair joined The Pop-Up! together—a massive link-up of two frontline leaders dedicated to feeding the soul and healing the minds of our community.

Alongside host The Big O, the guests broke down a heavy-hitting slate of headlines: the urgent battle for Black voting rights stretching from the frontlines in Alabama to Washington state's newly protected legislative maps, the escalating fraud probe rocking King County, and the critical cultural crossroads facing 23rd and Jackson amid devastating Central District closures.

They also dove into the polarizing intersection of AI and mental health, celebrating culinary royalty Chef Kristi Brown’s incredible 2026 Diversity Champion award, and unpacking the fierce online debate surrounding reality star Cheyenne Bryant’s academic credentials.

Deaunte Damper, The Big O, and Ashleigh McCurdy broke down impactful local stories, mental health awareness, and Deaunte’s recent birthday party in Coleman Commons.

The panel tackles this week's headlines, including Mayor Katie Wilson’s new solar-powered public restroom pilot program in Pioneer Square, recent shootings and acts of violence across Seattle, and the Black Heritage Society President Stephanie Johnson-Toliver’s recognition at yesterday’s Steelheads Sunday at T-Mobile Park.

The trio recaps Deaunte’s Official Birthday Pride Party held at Coleman Commons. With sponsorships from WeRise Wines and Métier Brewing, Converge friends and family came together to celebrate Deaunte and his historic accomplishment: being appointed the 2026 Seattle Pride Grand Marshal.

Finally, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the hosts discuss recent controversy involving lifestyle guru Cheyenne Bryant and revisit moving words from Tacoma community leaders.

On a special Tacoma Takeover episode of “The Pop-Up!,” guest host Elisha Michelle, a culture curator, returned to the Black Media Matters Studio. Elisha is back with all her people—a hand-picked lineup of the 253's most influential entrepreneurs, artists, and community pillars—to bring that signature "Legendary" energy to the airwaves.

Lineup Highlights:

Cinnamon Jovan: The published author of Drink Your Beauty and host of the CJ: Unfiltered podcast kicks off the night to discuss self-expression and helping others find authenticity.

India Irons: Executive Director of Fearless Dance Studio and a Christian Therapist and Mental Health Clinician, India will share how she merges faith and mental health to connect with Tacoma’s youth, and why dance is a vital tool for community connection.

Don Pizzle: Hip-hop artist and founder of A.O.S Clothing discusses his new album, P.O.L.O, and dives into the sounds and latest trending news from the Tacoma hip-hop scene.

LROC: Elisha’s co-host and co-founder of LX3 Entertainment, LROC is breaking down "Marketing 101" and sharing insights on building a media empire.

Dieon Lister & Donald "DJ" Taber: Representing Black Royalty Promotions and Hydro Liph, they discuss curating safe spaces, developing synergy, and the health benefits of alkaline water.

Akeil "Mack" Richardson: The artist and founder of The Stronger Family Foundation closes the night by speaking on the importance of family and community, plus sharing updates on his upcoming projects.

Bestselling author, brand strategist, and founder of the "Step Into Your Celebrity Energy" framework, Cloé Luv, recently joined The Pop-Up! to discuss her new book, Step Into Your Celebrity Energy, which is currently a bestseller, sitting at #5 on Kindle sales and #25 for paperback.

Cloé Luv is a recognized authority in helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities, transition from being overlooked to becoming visible, impactful leaders. Her work is rooted in the core principle: “Your story isn't something to hide—it's your most valuable asset.”

Host The Big O is joined by two of Converge Media’s powerhouse personalities: 2026 Seattle Pride Grand Marshal Deaunte Damper and lifestyle expert Ashleigh McCurdy from The Sanctuary!

From dissecting the latest local headlines to tracking what’s hot in Pacific Northwest culture, fashion, and lifestyle, this is the unscripted nightly conversation you can’t afford to miss.

This episode of the "The Pop-Up!," hosted by The Big O, features guests Papa Black Davinci and Angela Rye for a wide-ranging discussion on business, politics, and social issues. The trio discusses the demise of Spirit Airlines, then highlights the nationwide expansion plans of Lewis Rudd, the co-founder of Ezell's Famous Chicken, and celebrates the franchise's long history of community support.

The conversation then shifts to more serious topics, including personal accounts of the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry and a recent history lesson on racial language delivered by Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth. Strategist Angela Rye provides an in-depth analysis of recent Supreme Court decisions affecting the Voting Rights Act, framing the current political climate as a "dangerous retraction" of civil rights.

The episode concludes with Papa Black Da Vinci discussing the inspiration behind his single "Control Alt Delete" and both guests sharing what drives their continued advocacy and community engagement.

The Pop-Up! was thrilled to welcome Jazz From Seattle to discuss the 23rd annual Seattle Black Film Festival at LANGSTON. This year’s festival, themed "The Sound of Us," is a tribute to the auditory heartbeat of the Black experience, showcasing how music and spoken word translate to the big screen.

Joining the conversation is community leader Melvin Slaughter (also known as Mr. Solutions for Seattle), who will be breaking down the details for his upcoming Solutions for Seattle event taking place this Sunday.

Converge Media’s own Ashleigh McCurdy from The Sanctuary gave us the rundown on her recent wine events and what to look forward to on her spring and summer calendar.

After we dove into the future of our local schools with Ibijoke "Ibi" Idowu, a candidate for Seattle Education Association (SEA) President with eight years of experience in Special Education. Ibi, who has served as an association representative and strike captain, will discuss her campaign, the current struggles facing teachers, and the upcoming contract bargaining session.

Things are getting truly legendary as we welcome a powerhouse duo to the stage: Elisha Michelle and Deaunte Damper. As the visionary curator behind Legendary AF, Elisha Michelle continues to redefine Puget Sound’s creative landscape by bridging the worlds of fashion, music, and community.

She’s joined by the 2026 Seattle Pride Grand Marshal and activist Deaunte Damper, who brings his signature energy and unwavering commitment to advocacy and Black LGBTQ+ excellence.

The culture officially took center stage with the series premiere of The Pop-Up! across all Converge Media streaming platforms. Host The Big O kicked things off with a heavy-hitting duo—Deaunte Damper and ProofNThePlay—for a raw, relaxed dive into the community news, entertainment, and local info that actually matters.

From the latest headlines to the upcoming Pride season, this isn’t your typical broadcast; it’s an open-dialogue, urban-focused look at exactly what’s poppin’ in our streets this summer.