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Telling Better Stories the Converge Media Way
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• 5/14/24
All Elite Wrestling’s Nick Wayne Promotes Dynamite Coming to Angle Of The Winds Arena on Back2Besa
It’s not a secret that host of Back2Besa, Besa Gordon, loves wresting, so with All Elite Wrestling bringing Dynamite to Angle Of The Winds Arena tomorrow (5/15/2024), it should be no surprise that she sat down with AEW’s Nick Wayne in an interview that lasted nearly 40 minutes. In this clip, Nick teases what AEW fans can look forward to tomorrow when AEW Dynamite comes to Angel Of The Winds Arena in Everett, WA.
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• 5/13/24
Besa Gordon Gives 6 Restaurant Recommendations for Eat What You Want Day
Did you know that May 11th is National Eat What You Want Day? In case you haven’t noticed, just about every day of the year is a National or International holiday. In honor of this delicious day, Besa Gordon suggested six different restaurants that we’ve gone to this season, from Seattle to Portland, and literally ate whatever we wanted.
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• 5/7/24
Relive Bubblin Brown Sugar 2024
For decades, Bubbling Brown Sugar has been giving our community goosebumps with the epic moves that happen on the floor, while creating nostalgic vibes from seeing different friends and family members that we haven’t seen for a while, due to a lot of us now not living in the central district anymore.
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• 5/2/24
Seattle Storm Gets a New Center for Basketball Performance
The Seattle Storm unveiled their Center for Basketball Performance, a home for our Storm players so they no longer have to occupy the SPU courts for practice. The Center provides the Storm two brand new courts and a strength training room for training, but also options for recovery in a health and wellness suite and aquatics center. A great way for the Storm to begin training camp for their 25th season!
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• 4/28/24
National Poetry Month Spotlight: Insights from Acacia Salisbury on Back2Besa
In honor of National Poetry Month, Besa Gordon engaged in a captivating conversation with Acacia Salisbury, a producer at Converge Media and a talented poet. Acacia's journey with poetry began at the tender age of 7 when her grandmother introduced her to the renowned poet and author Maya Angelou. Together, they delved into the origins of National Poetry Month, Acacia's personal journey with poetry, the vibrant poetry community in Seattle, and strategies for crafting a poem each day.
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• 4/29/24
Reah Melina Performs “Pulling Down God Is Easy” on Back2Besa
For National Poetry Month, Besa Gordon highlighted talented poets around the greater Seattle area on Back2Besa over the weekend. One of those poets was Rhea Melina, who performed her poem “Pulling Down God Is Easy” at the Black Media Matters Studio.
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• 4/26/24
Joel Duran Performs “The Girl On The Bus” on Back2Besa
In honor of National Poetry Month, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon highlighted four talented poets from the greater Seattle area. One of those poets was Joel Duran, an Afro-Latino poet born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Brooklyn, New York, who now calls Seattle home. Joel's poetry touches on themes of love, gentrification, and the complexities of city life.
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• 4/26/24
Ebo Barton Performs “Freedom Cut Me Loose” on Back2Besa
In honor of National Poetry Month, Besa Gordon highlighted some incredible poets here in the greater Seattle area on Back2Besa over the weekend. One of the featured poets was Ebo Barton, who performed his poem "Freedom Cut Me Loose" at the Black Media Matters Studio.
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• 4/10/24
Trailer: Facing The Reign - The Story of Jessa Thomas, Miss Teen Redo Washington State
Facing The Reign is the story of Jessa Thomas, the inspiring 17-year-old cowgirl from Kittitas County, Washington, who is the reigning Miss Teen Rodeo Washington 2024 and the first African-American state title holder.
Jessa's passion for caring for animals extends beyond the rodeo arena. At home on Windswept Farms, she raises miniature Herefords and looks after the farm's livestock. Her natural ability to care for animals has driven her to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian.
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• 4/26/24
Beyond the Floorboards: Besa Gordon's Red Bull Lords Of The Floor Experience
Red Bull Lords Of The Floor made its long-awaited return to the Emerald City after over two decades, and our cameras and Besa Gordon was there to witness it all as breaking took over the city of Seattle.
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• 4/26/24
Unity in Motion: Red Bull's Lords of the Floor Welcome Mixer Experience
Red Bull's Lords of the Floor week kicked off with a bang last at Darkalino's and Hometown in Pioneer Square. The welcome mixer set the stage for an electrifying week ahead, encapsulating the essence of hip-hop culture and camaraderie.
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• 4/26/24
Breaking Boundaries: Inside Red Bull's Lords of the Floor
On April 6th, our cameras and host of Back2Besa, Besa Gordon, witnessed the vibrant energy of breakdancing enthusiasts and aficionados filled the WaMu Theatre as Red Bull's esteemed event, Lords of the Floor, took center stage. Guided by the charismatic hosting of Tacoma's own Jo Koy, and graced with a mesmerizing performance by the legendary Common, the evening unfolded into a spectacle of talent and passion.
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• 4/10/24
Griot Party Comes to the City of Destiny
Not too long ago, the Tacoma Art Museum buzzed with energy as the Griot Party Experience made its triumphant return. This time, the vibrant celebration of culture and creativity found its home within the walls of the museum, marking a shift from its previous spotlight at Langston Hughes in the Central District.
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• 4/10/24
The Grand Closing: N The Kutt Dance Studio Takes a Final Bow
March 30th marked a poignant moment as N The Kutt Dance Studio in Des Moines, WA, closed its doors for the final time. The studio, along with its founder Koach "Giggz" Crosby (who is also the founder of Kutt’ N’ Up dance team), has been an integral part of the greater Puget Sound community for years, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless young dancers, including our own Besa Gordon.
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• 4/10/24
Classic East's in Burien: Where Community and Comfort Converge
Nestled in the heart of downtown Burien, just south of Seattle, is a culinary gem that has captured the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike. Classic Eats, owned by the passionate Chef Tony Hayes, has not only become a beloved dining spot for Burien residents but also a destination for food enthusiasts across the Seattle metro area.
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• 4/10/24
Deaunte Damper and Lavender Rights Project Honored by Seattle Kraken
#ICYMI - Last weekend on Back2Besa on we covered Seattle Kraken Pride Night where Deaunte Damper and the Lavender Rights Project were honored for their advocacy work in the LGBTQ community in Seattle. We also spotlighted artist Nikita Ares who designed the pride night themed jersey.
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• 4/6/24
Traveling While Black - Favorite Hiking Locations in Western Washington
Did you know that Anthony and Marlie Love from Traveling While Black have produced over 150 episodes highlighting locations and destinations all across the Pacific Northwest and even to places as far away as Belize and the Galapagos islands!
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• 4/3/24
Vibe Bingo Comes To Victory Hall With A Cause To Put Ladies First
Vibe Bingo made its way to Seattle at Victory Hall, right across the street from T-Mobile Park, for a special Ladies First edition in honor of Women’s History Month and a portion of the proceeds going to Softball and Beyond Borders.
Plus, what made this Vibe Bingo special, was the focus on woman-owned businesses, and believe me, there were a lot of them present, 15 to be exact.
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Sankofa Boutique is Bringing Big Crystal Energy to Broadway!
Speaking of Black Women-owned businesses, some of you know that I love crystals, and I’ve been into them and the positive vibes that they bring to my personal life since I was about 19 years old. Well, a few weeks ago, I found out about a Black-owned crystal shop in Cap Hill owned by Charika Wilson, and earlier this week, I finally had the opportunity to stop by and check it out.
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• 4/4/24
Mariners Food Preview 2024 - A Grand Slam Menu
t’s finally baseball season ya’ll, and for a second year in a row, Besa Gordon got invited to the annual Mariners Food Preview at T-Mobile Park. This is where media professionals from all over the region are invited for a sneak peek, or should I say a sneak taste, of all the good stuff on the menu this season at the ballpark, and also hear all about the food concepts from T-Mobile Park Executive Chef, Chef Javier Rosa.
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• 4/2/24
Rainier Playfield - A Promise Made, The Gift That Remains
Last July, during All-Star Week, a promise was made to the youth of South Seattle by MLB Commissioner Manfred, Mayor Harrell, and the Mariners. They dedicated Rainier Playfield as an MLB Legacy project and vowed to transform it into a state-of-the-art facility, ensuring children could enjoy baseball year-round. This commitment was intended to be the lasting legacy of the All-Star festivities in Seattle.
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• 4/1/24
Graffiti Unleashed - Red Bull Lords Of The Floor Westside Wall
Although the Red Bull Lords of the Floor main event is April 6th at WAMU, the Red Bull team has been active out here in these Emerald City Streets for the past few weeks, tapping in with different hip-hop culture communities, and part of their outreach has included discussions, workshops, and even literally, putting some paint where it ain't on some barren walls across the city.
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• 3/31/24
Free from Circle of Fire gives a Red Bull Lords Of The Floor Preview
Did you know that one of the biggest legendary dance battles in the world is coming back to Seattle on April 6th? I am talking about The Red Bull Lords of the Floor, returning to the Emerald City after over 20 years. It’ll bring the world's best break dancers to compete head-to-head before many of them fly off to Paris to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
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• 3/29/24
From Red Carpets to Commissioner's Cups: Besa Gordon's Baseball Odyssey
Written by: Besa Gordon - Yesterday was officially #OpeningDay for Major League Baseball, and let me tell you, friend. Your girl lived her best life last year. If I were to be really honest, last year has to be my favorite baseball season yet.
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• 3/24/24
Unveiling Seattle's Artistic Tapestry: A Recap of The Still In Our Feels Showcase
Seattle's vibrant art scene was on full display at the recent 8th edition of The Still In Our Feels showcase, held at AXIS Pioneer Square. As I stepped into the event, I was immediately immersed in a sea of creativity, surrounded by local artists, performers, and enthusiasts alike.
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Keys to Success: Spokane's You Oughta Know Media Etiquette Discussion
Earlier this month, Besa Gordon, host of Back2Besa, jumped on a plane and flew to the heart of Spokane for the You Oughta Know Panel held at the Washington Cracker Building for an enlightening discussion on media etiquette and professionalism. The event was curated by Ryker and aimed to provide local artists with essential tools for navigating the media landscape.
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• 3/1/24
MOHAI Facing Hate with Vivid Matter Collective
In a world where hate seems to be on the rise, it becomes increasingly vital to address and combat it head-on. Recently, the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, the Wing Luke Museum, and the Washington State Jewish Historical Society joined forces for an event at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) called "Confronting Hate Together."
The event aimed to foster conversations surrounding the roots of hatred and how communities can collaborate across generations to create a more inclusive and compassionate world. It was heartening to witness droves of individuals coming together to engage in these crucial discussions and stand against intolerance.
One notable aspect of the event was the collaboration with the Vivid Matter Collective, who used art as a powerful medium to speak out against hate. The artistic expressions showcased a poignant narrative of resilience and solidarity in the face of bigotry.
During the event, community members shared their personal experiences with hate, highlighting the importance of providing a safe space for such conversations. It is through open dialogue and empathy that we can begin to understand each other's perspectives and work towards meaningful change.
Conversations like these are not only important but necessary in today's society. We cannot afford to ignore or trivialize the pervasive issue of hate. Events like the one at MOHAI serve as reminders of our collective responsibility to combat hatred and discrimination in all its forms.
As we reflect on the insightful discussions and powerful artworks showcased at MOHAI, we extend our gratitude to the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, the Wing Luke Museum, and the Washington State Jewish Historical Society for their tireless efforts in promoting unity and understanding in our communities.
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• 3/14/24
Reign of Style: A Decade of Hair, Beauty, and Fashion Unleashed
For a decade now, the Northwest has been graced by the dazzling spectacle of the Reign of Style Hair Show and competition. This annual extravaganza, now in its 10th year, was born from the visionary mind of Aisha Ellis-Asim. Recognizing a void in the region's hair show scene, Aisha set out to fill it, thus giving birth to Reign Competitions NW.
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• 3/13/24
Redefining Statistics: RiseAbove's Fight for Nisqually Native Youth
#RiseAbove - In today’s world, where challenges can seem insurmountable, there shines a beacon of hope for Native American youth. RiseAbove, with its unwavering mission, stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of these young individuals to carve out healthier and more fulfilling lives, despite the odds stacked against them.
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• 3/11/24
Redefining Bingo: The Vibe You Didn't Know You Needed
Around the Puget Sound, a new sensation has been taking the nightlife scene by storm, and it's not your grandmother's bingo. Welcome to Vibe Bingo – an electrifying fusion of music, camaraderie, and, yes, a bit of luck.
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• 3/11/24
Building Dignity, One Woman at a Time: The Story of Dignity for Divas
In 2012, inspired by her own experience with homelessness, Nikki Gane-Butler took a bold step to address the unmet needs of women in transition by founding Dignity for Divas. This organization has since become a beacon of hope for countless women across Western Washington.
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From the CD to Mexico City Art Week
On the latest episode Back2Besa, we followed the journey of Soulma Ayers and Perry Rhoden as they embarked on a captivating adventure from Seattle to Mexico City Art Week.
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• 3/5/24
GZ Radio covers the Creative Economy Career Day at McCaw Hall
Our partners over at GZ Radio covered the Creative Economy Career Day at McCaw Hall on February 9th where they spoke to industry professionals and students about the importance of the day and the career opportunities that exist for creatives.
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• 3/5/24
From Lagos With Love: The Art of Olumide Oresegun
We have talked about Taswira, a cultural art gallery and event space in Pioneer Square owned by Avery Barnes, a few times on the show. But did you know, they recently put in a new exhibit by Nigerian artist Olumide Oresegun?
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• 3/4/24
Kraken Black Hockey History Night with barry johnson
#BlackHockeyHistory - It was Black Hockey History Night at Climate Pledge Arena. And since the Seattle Kraken’s inception, they have been working hard to build an inclusive hockey community. Throughout the season, they have “theme nights,” where a specialty jersey is created by a local artist who takes the Kraken’s iconic S logo jersey and turns it into something that represents their artistic style and the theme for the night.
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• 3/1/24
Portland's SEI hosts the Prairie View A&M Marching Storm Band at Junction Ave.
Besa Gordon hopped on the Amtrak Train and headed back to Portland, Oregon, after learning about the 5th annual Junction Ave, a Black History Month Event that brings black businesses and services together put on by Self Enhancement Inc, also known SEI -- and believe it or not, over the years, it has become the biggest annual event of its kind in the Portland area.
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Black Equity Ball 2024
On Friday, February 23, Young Black Homeowners (YBH), partnering with the African American Leadership Forum (AALFWA), hosted the second Black Equity Ball. This red-carpet affair was created to honor the journey of current and future black homeowners as they embark on the experience of gaining first-time homeownership. The event showcased DJing, musical performances, vendors, a champagne toast, and a dinner catered by That Brown Girl Cooks! that set the tone for the evening.
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• 3/1/24
The Pulse of Portland: Too Short at the Roseland Theater
On a buzzing Friday night, Portland's Roseland Theater was the epicenter of an electrifying atmosphere, hosting a sold-out concert featuring the legendary Too Short and Portland's very own Cool Nutz. The lineup was stellar, with Mikey Vegas, Juma Blaq, DJ Fatboy, and Bad Habit setting the stage on fire, creating an unforgettable night for the city's live music aficionados.
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• 3/1/24
X: The Life & Times of Malcolm X Seattle Premier
Seattle Opera’s X: The Life & Times Of Malcolm X, composed by Anthony Davis, opened with a bang on Saturday, February 24th at McCaw Hall. The night was a celebration of Blackness, history, fashion, and excitement as guests experienced their first Opera. Trae Holiday of Converge Media caught up with attendees to discuss the significance of this live show.
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• 2/29/24
Art Brothers Unleashed - Back2Besa
Seattle-based artists Moses Sun, and barry johnson, recently wrapped up their two-month tandem residency at The Understory. The public exhibit space, situated at the base of the Amazon Spheres, invited Moses and Barry to hold studio hours as part of Amazon's latest efforts to uplift the local arts community. Vivid Matter Collective Co-founder and Queen of Converge Takiyah Ward caught up with the duo to discuss their experience at Understory, their collaborative process, and the reception of their art.
"A lot of artists throughout history kind of work in caves. And a lot of people think about, particularly painting is like magic, because they're always wanting to get so close to it and say, like, 'how did you do that?' And to be able to be in this space daily, and get a couple 100 people that walk through Spheres, it's more than any show I've ever held in my life." He continued to say, "So it's great to be able to have work that I'm making [in] real time and to be able to have people from everywhere that kind of stumble into this place that are able to walk up and say, 'What are you doing?' 'Why are you doing it?' 'And can you tell me about like you?' " Said johnson
When asked what it's been like working together, Moses Sun said, "This time here with Barry has been very cool because barry and I, are we're the art brothers." He continued to say, "We all came together [in] 2020 for the Black Lives Matter protests mural. And then we've just taken off ever since being within here in the Understory right below the Amazon spheres, where there's this living, breathing plants and people populating going in and out. Some people wander in here thinking they're going to the Amazon Spheres. And then they're delighted to see there's something going on here."
To learn more about Moses Sun and barry johnson, you can headover to mosessun.studio to learn more about Moses, visit barryjohnson.com to learn more about barry, and head over to VividMatterCollective.com to learn more about VMC.
Tune into #Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle for more interviews like this every Saturday at 10:30 pm, with a replay on Sundays at 10 am on FOX 13+
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• 2/29/24
Spoken-Word Magic: The Griot Party Experience
The Griot Party Experience recognizes the legacy of Black Copper Brown and indigenous people in the Central District of Seattle and honors their contributions through hip-hop, spoken-word storytelling theater.
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• 2/29/24
Unlock Your Style Potential: Ena'Vative Hair Studio
Finding a hairstylist takes work! Between searching online and asking your friends and family where they go, finding someone to keep you looking on point can become a little draining. Well, a new Black Owned hair salon recently opened in the Federal Way Commons mall called Ena'Vative Hair Studio.
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• 2/29/24
Poet Rajnii Eddings Hosts Reading At Taswira In Seattle
One of Seattle’s most iconic poets hosted a book reading and signing event at African Streetwear Gallery TASWIRA last week. Rajnii Eddins, founder of The Poetry Experience, shared words from his book ‘In The Coded Language Of This Mortal Tongue’ amongst an audience of artists, friends, and fans. The event showcased the power of his words alongside live instrumental performances.