It’s Sunday, so once again it’s time we take a moment to slow it down to focus on our mental well-being. In the whirlwind of our daily lives, amidst the constant buzz of notifications, deadlines, and social engagements, it's easy to lose sight of something truly essential, I’am talking about the profound power of solitude. Today, I want to discuss with you the transformative power of alone time. Something we at times feel guilty about. Buy why?

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. 

Cherry Hall is more than just a building; it's a lifeline for many in our community struggling with addiction. As a recovery center for alcohol and drugs, Cherry Hall provides a safe haven where individuals can find support, fellowship, and guidance on their journey to sobriety.

Let’s talk about Choklate, and no I’m not talking about the savory treat. I’m talking about the legendary singer Choklate who took Seattle, and beyond by storm with her soulful, voice on some of her most popular songs like Bigger Than You, and Gettin’ Is Good.

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!

YOUniversal Fitness is a unique fitness program that emphasizes a holistic approach to well-being. Unlike traditional gyms that focus solely on physical exercise, YOUniversal Fitness incorporates mental and emotional health into its fitness regimen. This approach recognizes that true fitness encompasses not only physical strength but also mental clarity and emotional balance.

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.

Pro Se Potential, a Seattle-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth, recently held its annual Back to School Bowling Bash at Bowlero in Tukwila. This event, aimed at fostering community spirit and providing essential resources to families, was a resounding success.  

THING Festival 2024, presented by Seattle Theatre Group (STG,) was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression on all attendees. From a diverse musical lineup and engaging workshops to a fun-filled park and delicious food, the festival offered something for everyone, and this year, they had a new location, Remlinger Farms in the City of Carnation.

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.

The Tacoma Police Department's 2nd annual Kids Health and Safety Fair was a heartwarming event that brought together over 4,000 community members. The fair, held at the East Side Community Center, offered a wide range of resources and activities for families.

Besa Gordon, the beloved host of Back2Besa, has been on a temporary leave of absence to focus on her health. During her time away, her Converge Media family has stepped up to the plate to keep the show going. Guest hosts have included Deaunte Damper, TraeAnna Holiday, Takiyah Ward, and Curtis Delgardo II.

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.

Each year one of the highlights of the Umoja Festival is the parade, which takes place in the historic Central District. The parade route is lined with cheering crowds, and the participants put on a spectacular show. Drill teams and dancers showcase their talents, and community organizations and businesses come out to show their support.

Umoja Fest, a yearly celebration deeply rooted in Seattle's Central District, marked its 70th anniversary this year with a powerful display of Black culture, creativity, and unwavering community spirit. Held at the historic Judkins Park, the festival was more than just a weekend of festivities; it was a living testament to the enduring legacy of Black excellence in the city.

Scope Screenings, the Seattle-based film festival founded by Lex Scope, continues to make waves in the local creative community. The monthly event showcases the work of young, diverse creators and aims to disrupt the traditional film festival industry by offering accessible and enjoyable film experiences.

The Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas kicked off its season with a vibrant event at the historic Lincoln Hughes Performing Arts Institute on Sunday, July 14th. Attendees enjoyed a variety of engaging activities, resources, and performances.

The Therapy Fund Foundation, a Washington-based nonprofit committed to eliminating barriers to Black healing, recently hosted its second annual Reclaiming Wellness conference. This groundbreaking event, held at Green River College, successfully brought together community members, mental health professionals, and advocates to address the critical need for accessible and culturally responsive mental health care for communities of color.

Celebrity Edge is not just a cruise ship; it's a destination in itself. From the moment you step on board, you're greeted with luxury, innovation, and endless entertainment options. One of the highlights of Celebrity Edge is its extraordinary dining experiences. Eden Restaurant offers a culinary journey like no other, where the food is not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes.

Recently we highlighted Aaliyah Kois Jacob. An eighteen-year-old musician, poet, writer, and all-around creative, Aaliyah is thrilled to be joining ELEVATE this year. Her love of people and dedication to justice, advocacy, and social change have made creativity a crucial outlet.

It was another emotional day last week at Converge Media’s Black Media Matters Studio as Deaunte Damper taped his final episode as guest host of Back2Besa. Converge Media has been a source of healing and growth for many, including Deaunte Damper.

Cammie Ploeger, a 14-year-old actor, singer, and writer with Ethiopian and Korean American roots, performed her original piece, "Letter to the Goned," at the 2024 STG Elevate showcase.

Earlier this month, the Black and Tan Hall in South Seattle was the scene of an extraordinary event: the Young and Talented showcase. This unique concert, put on for kids by kids, highlighted the musical prowess of some incredibly gifted young performers.

The South Sound Music Festival, now in its third year, recently concluded another successful event in Tacoma, Washington. This vibrant celebration brought together a diverse mix of artists, vendors, and community members for a day filled with music, food, and fun.

A demonstration of community activism took place recently with the Traffic Jam for Peace, orchestrated by Urban Family. This event intentionally slowed traffic on Interstate 5 North to draw attention to the urgency of addressing gun violence. The traffic jam served as a metaphor, highlighting how violence affects everyone in the community, regardless of direct involvement.

The GZ Radio crew visited the DogTown Collection last week to check out the exhibit. The Complexity Showcase is open until July 20th at ARTS at King Street Station. If you're a fan of graffiti art, be sure to check it out! And don't forget to follow GZ Radio on IG or visit their website at GZRadio.Org.

The Seattle Theatre Group's ELEVATE program recently showcased the talents of young Black and Brown artists at the historic Neptune Theatre. Among these talented performers was Maya Michelle Russell, a 16-year-old spoken word artist making waves in the Seattle arts scene.

Scope Screenings, Seattle's leading film festival dedicated to showcasing the best in short films, music videos, and short-form content, kicked off its third season on June 25th at the prestigious SIFF Egyptian Theater. Founded by Lex Scope in 2022, Scope Screenings has quickly become known for its vibrant events that combine film screenings with live discussions and networking opportunities.

Seattle-based Eighth Generation, a groundbreaking art and lifestyle brand owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe, recently Besa Gordon stopped by Eighth Generation for an exclusive tour. Founded in 2008 by Nooksack artist and activist Louie Gong, Eighth Generation is a beacon of Indigenous-owned enterprise, making history as the first Native-owned company to produce wool blankets.

Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Pride in style with its annual PrideFest. This vibrant event showcased the LGBTQIA+ community with an impressive lineup of performers across three stages, including Aleksa Manila, House of Moschino, Bacon Strip, and many more.

Seattle's Pride Parade is an annual event that brings together members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. However, the parade is more than just a colorful spectacle; it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.

The Lavender Rights Project's annual Black Trans Comedy Showcase, held at the Siff Cinema Egyptian on June 8th, was a resounding success. The event was more than just a night of laughter; it was a celebration of Black trans excellence, a powerful statement of resilience, and a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Black trans community.

Ground Zero Radio (GZR) was on the scene at Metier Brewing Company in Seattle to celebrate Black Music Month with a special live podcast interview featuring Black Stax, legends in the Seattle Hip Hop scene.

Seattle Theatre Group’s Elevate is a transformative annual program, now four years in the making, that empowers young artists to find their voice and express themselves through spoken word. Each year, Elevate provides a platform for talented young performers to showcase their skills, share their stories, and connect with their community. Converge Media has been a proud partner of STG Elevate since its inception, and Back2Besa is honored to continue this tradition of uplifting youth voices.

We had the chance to hang out with Cool Nutz in NE Portland, where it all started, as he celebrated his birthday and the latest record release with friends, family, and fans, While there we caught up with co-owner of the Trap Kitchen PDX, Mikey Vegaz, R&B singer Akaa Arjey, Cool Nutz’s official tour DJ, DJ Fatboy, his wife Killa Scott, and of course Cool Nutz himself.

This past Juneteenth, the city of Spokane, Washington, located about 280 miles east of Seattle, came alive with celebrations honoring Black history and culture. With a total population of around 228,000 people and a Black population of just under 4%, Spokane's Juneteenth celebrations were a testament to the power of unity and progress.

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.

The WOW Gallery was filled with joy and laughter on Juneteenth as Black women from all walks of life came together for a special brunch celebration. The event, organized by Veronica Very, founder of Wonder of Women, was a day of remembrance, empowerment, and sisterhood.

Last month, Converge Media had the honor of partnering with Africatown Community Land Trust to capture an unforgettable Juneteenth celebration! Hosted by our very own Trae Holiday from The Day With Trae, the event was a testament to our community's strength, resilience, and commitment to progress.

Deaunte Damper, host of Converge Media's We Live In Color, stepped in for Besa Gordon on FOX 13 Seattle's Good Day Seattle this week. Gordon is currently taking time off to address some health concerns.

#BlackEqualityCoalition - Recently, Converge Media producer Curtis Delgardo II and Central District’s very own recording artist, Mafi D, teamed up with the Black Equality Coalition and students from Panther Lake Elementary to create an anthem for the 4th and 5th grade Unstoppable Coaching Program. This powerful partnership highlights the incredible impact of community and shared purpose.

Have you heard of Towers of Tomorrow? Besa Gordon, host of Back2Besa takes us on a behind-the-scenes look at the traveling LEGO exhibit which can be experienced at MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry) until September 22nd.

Quincy and Whitni Henry’s coffee journey is a tale of resilience and ingenuity. When an unexpected layoff and a work injury struck back-to-back, they found themselves facing a daunting challenge: supporting their three kids, two cars, and a mortgage. With the pressure mounting, they embarked on a soul-searching drive through the mountains of Utah and Eastern Oregon after Thanksgiving.

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.

Luv-A-Late, owned by Aundrea McCarthy, is a charming coffee shop nestled in Tacoma’s Hill Top neighborhood. Besa Gordon recalls the first time someone tagged her in a post about Luv-A-Late on Instagram. The first thing that caught her eye was the pink explosion throughout the shop, complemented by stunning artwork curated by Bruce Pickford.

Last week, Africatown Community Land Trust held its annual Black Wall Street Market as part of The Summer of Soul Series. The event transformed 23rd and Jackson into Seattle's own Black Wall Street, with over 100 Black businesses celebrating the rich history of Black commercial centers.

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.

Earlier this month, Besa Gordon, the host of Back2Besa, had caught up with Staten Island artist Starda. Starda recently made headlines by opening for Lil Wayne during his tour stop at the Tacoma Dome. During the interview, they covered various topics, including Starda's musical journey, his latest project "The Starda Party," his experiences touring in Thailand, and much more.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

#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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Back2Besa headed to the ‘Happiest Place On Earth’ for a special holiday preview. Host Besa Gordon was at Disney Land’s Holiday Preview event in Anaheim, where she hosted a live radio broadcast on HITS 106.1 and learned all about what they have in store for the holiday season.

Have you heard about Terrain? The annual one-night-only event in Spokane is one of the regions largest gatherings of artists from all over the world. Featuring nearly 400 artists, Terrain has firmly established its name as one of the top destinations for art lovers in the Pacific Northwest. Back2Besa host Besa Gordon headed across the state to check it out for herself.

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.

#JuneteenthSEA - Uplifting Our Traditions: Black people in Seattle celebrated Juneteenth in different ways but for a common cause. From popup tents at Communion Seattle on Union to Roller Skating at Judkins Park, and from musical stars of tomorrow at Jimi Hendrix Park to hip-hop icons of yesteryear at the Museum of Pop Culture. Take a look at Juneteenth in Seattle through the eyes of community members across the city.