Moe Vegan, a new Black-owned vegan restaurant in Kent, Washington, celebrated its grand opening on December 7th, drawing a large crowd, including Kent Mayor Dana Ralph and Kent Chamber of Commerce members.

The heart of the community beats strong at Trap Kitchen PDX's 4th Annual Turkey Drive. This inspiring event, captured in this video, showcases the power of giving back and uplifting those in need. Volunteers and organizers, including Mikey Vegas and Ron Schloi, are dedicated to providing a complete Thanksgiving experience, with turkey, all the fixings, and a whole lot of love.

Not too long ago,  had the pleasure of visiting Sankofa Boutique in the heart of Capitol Hill, Seattle. Owned by the incredible Cherika Wilson, this Black-owned crystal shop is a true gem (pun intended!). As a Seattle native myself, I was surprised I hadn't heard of it sooner, but I'm so glad I finally did.

Recently, The Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute and the Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas (CD Forum) celebrated the culminating event of their collaborative project, the Creative Empowerment Program (CEP). This innovative program, designed to support and uplift Black artists in the region, paired six mentors with six mentees, providing them with resources, guidance, and a platform to showcase their work.

Besa Gordon, the dynamic host of Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle, has teamed up with the Buy Black Card program to champion Black-owned businesses across the region. "This initiative goes beyond just spending; it's about fostering genuine relationships and empowering our community," says Besa.

The energy was electric as attendees celebrated Black excellence, community strength, and the unwavering pursuit of social justice. Keynote speaker Hill Harper's words were nothing short of inspiring. He reminded the audience that "Unity is not just a word, it's our weapon," urging all to work together for a better world. 

The Rainier Beach High School redevelopment project is more than just a construction site; it catalyzes community revitalization. Through a unique Local Loyalty Program, construction workers are encouraged to support local businesses like Umami Kushi and Creamy Cone Cafe, fostering economic growth and strengthening community ties.

Scope Screenings continues to shine as a beacon for Seattle's creative community of color. The October edition, aptly dubbed "The Spooky Edition," brought together a vibrant mix of filmmakers and artists at the SIFF Egyptian Theater.

"People's faces," that's what fuels Channing Frye's passion for Chosen Family Wines. In a recent conversation, he shared his inspiring journey, from discovering the Willamette Valley's rich wine culture to breaking down barriers in the industry.

Shelly and Germine Harris opened Beau Legs Fish and Chips 15 years ago, serving up delicious Southern-inspired seafood dishes like jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and seafood gumbo. Germine's passion for cooking and Shelly's faith have seen them through challenging times, including the recent pandemic.

Campfire Coffee, a Tacoma-based coffee roaster and shop, is redefining the coffee experience. Co-owner and CEO Quincy Henry shared the inspiring journey of their business with Besa Gordon, a coffee enthusiast.

#SupportBlackBusiness - Classic Eats in Burien isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary experience where the past meets the present in a symphony of flavors. Owner Tony Hayes' passion for food shines through in every dish, from the iconic Jambalaya Grits to the Cajun Chicken Pasta.

#SupportBlackBusiness - Lil Red's Take Out and Catering isn't just a restaurant, it's a "ministry" in Seattle's Southend where the community gathers to share delicious food made with love. Owner Erasto "Red" Jackson's passion shines through in every dish, as General Manager Teia Burton-Green explains, "We consider this the way that we will impact the world through their stomachs and by nourishing them with food, food that is prepared with love."

#SupportBlackBusiness - Marjorie, a beloved Seattle restaurant, has returned triumphantly and opened its doors inside Midtown Square in the Central District! 🎉 After facing challenges in recent years at its previous location on Capital Hill, owner Donna Moodie persevered, partnering with the City of Seattle and Grow America to secure a new location.

At the Scope Screenings Film Festival, creativity took center stage once again at the SIFF Egyptian Theater in Seattle. Held on the last Tuesday of every month from June through December, Scope Screenings is a hub for filmmakers, producers, and creatives to showcase their work on the big screen.

The GSBA Economic Development Conference is a pivotal gathering that reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering small business growth and economic vitality in Seattle.

Wa Na Wari's annual Walk the Block event once again brought the Central District to life, showcasing a celebration of Black art, culture, and community spirit.

Can you say, new season, new commercial 😁and this one is with my people from Communion, Re-Sole 206, Jerk Shack Kitchen, and Art Noir. Last month, I posted some BTS photos of me shooting a new commercial for Back2Besa with the FOX 13 Seattle production team at Midtown Square in the Central District, and I can now finally share it with you all. 

In the heart of Arlington, a kombucha revolution is brewing, and it's called Glory Bucha. Founded in 2014 by Lowell Profit, a former soda enthusiast turned health-conscious brewer, Glory Bucha is on a mission to elevate your taste buds and well-being.

In just 4 weeks back in the studio, Besa Gordon and the Back2Besa crew have been very busy in taking you from Denver to Downtown Seattle and highlighting organizations big and small that are giving back to community. Uplifting Black businesses, spotlighting creatives, and uplifting the arts!

Nestled in the heart of the SoDo area, and owned by Denise Coleman Drinker, Sonu Beauty Bar is a haven for those seeking top-notch beauty treatments and a moment of tranquility. With its serene ambiance and skilled staff, Sonu Beauty Bar offers a wide range of services to cater to your every beauty need.

For the third year in a row, Lewis Rudd, Co-Founder and CEO of Ezell’s Famous Chicken, presented the Black Business Leadership Conference, also known as the BBLC, on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. This vital event united a diverse assembly of black business owners, educators, and resource providers. This year's theme, "Ignite and Inspire," focused on fostering growth and success within the black business community.

Besa Gordon, host of Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle, recently sat down with Erin Mayovsky to discuss the Black Business Leadership Conference held at the University of Washington in celebration of National Black Business Month. The event, now in its third year, was founded by Lewis Rudd, co-founder of Ezell's Famous Chicken, and aimed to empower Black entrepreneurs through collaboration and networking.

Champ Boxing, a Seattle-based non-profit organization, is making a real difference in the lives of young people. Founded by Kevin Loyal in an abandoned classroom at Rainier Beach High School, Champ Boxing provides free boxing training and mentorship to youth in the community.

TraeAnna Holiday joined Good Day Seattle host Erin Mayovsky to preview this weekend's exciting episode of Back2Besa. We're continuing to celebrate National Black Business Month by shining a spotlight on Black-owned businesses in the Pacific Northwest, starting with a special feature on Seattle's long-standing Black-owned media company, The Facts Newspaper.

Nestled in the heart of Renton, Beautiful Awakenings is more than just a spa; it's a sanctuary where clients can unwind, rejuvenate, and feel truly pampered. Owner Jamila Johnson has created a space that exudes warmth and tranquility, with natural light, lush greenery, and carefully curated details that reflect her passion for well-being.

Trae Holiday, filling in for Besa Gordon, joined Erin Mayovsky on Good Day Seattle on FOX 13 yesterday to discuss Black Philanthropy Month and the Therapy Fund Foundation. Holiday shared her enthusiasm for the foundation's work, highlighting their second annual "Reclaiming Wellness" event at Green River College.

Black art has always been a powerful force, and Seattle's Black art scene is no exception. However, as gentrification and rising costs continue to impact the city, there's a growing concern about the loss of cultural spaces essential for showcasing and nurturing Black art.

Back2Besa guest host, Deaunte Damper, recently revisited a local favorite in Seattle's Rainier Beach neighborhood: Creamy Cone Cafe. This delightful ice cream, espresso, and specialty eats shop, owned by Ashanti Mayfield, has been serving up scoops of joy since 2021.

Seattle's First Hill neighborhood is home to a hidden culinary gem that transports diners to the vibrant flavors of West Africa. Gold Coast Ghal Kitchen, the brainchild of Liberian-American Chef Tina Fahnbulleh, is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region.

For 14 years, The Station Coffee Shop, owned by the dynamic duo Leona Moore-Rodriguez and Luis Rodriguez, has been a beloved staple in Seattle. Now, they're bringing their celebrated coffee, delicious food, and vibrant community events to a new location in Columbia City.

L&M Hair Lounge, owned by Melody Brown, has quickly become a cornerstone of haircare in North East Portland, Oregon. Melody launched L&M as an online store in 2020 and expanded to her first salon in 2022. By 2023, she opened a second location, showcasing her dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. But the story doesn't end there.

#BlackWallStreet - Some of the most respected names in Seattle’s Black business community came together last week at Byrd Barr Place in the #CentralDistrict for Africatown Community Land Trust’s Building Black Wall Street Mixer + Chat. The mixer was hosted by author Debrena Jackson Gandy and keynoted by Central District business icon, Lewis Rudd, co-founder of Ezell’s Famous Chicken.

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.

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.

Converge Media proudly presents The Postman, a short film produced by Converge Media in conjunction with Vanishing Seattle that highlights Keanna and D'Vonne Pickett who are the owners of The Postman, a shipping and small business services company located on Martin Luther King Way and East Union Streets in the Central District of Seattle.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.