Can you believe November is over already? This month flew by faster than a hot wing at a cookout! But even with the whirlwind pace, we packed in a ton of amazing experiences on Back2Besa. So, let's take a moment to rewind and relive some of the highlights.

Celebrating Community and Black Joy

November was all about celebrating our vibrant community and uplifting Black excellence. I kicked off the month with a trip to Spokane for the NAACP's Freedom Fund Gala. It was an inspiring night filled with Black joy, powerful speeches, and a renewed commitment to creating a more just and equitable future.

Speaking of inspiration, I also attended the Urban League Breakfast, where we honored community leaders and enjoyed a thought-provoking conversation with Hill Harper and Taraji P. Henson. The room was buzzing with positive energy, and it felt like a big family reunion!

Birthday Shenanigans and Jazz History

Of course, November wouldn't be complete without a birthday celebration! I had an absolute blast at the Suga Shack burlesque show, produced by my amazing sis Goddess Briq House. It was a night to remember, filled with laughter, good company, and unforgettable performances.

We also celebrated the 20th anniversary of Kutt N' Up, a dance group that's been making a positive impact on Seattle's youth and artistic community for two decades. It was incredible to see the legacy of this group and the talented dancers who have come through their program.

And speaking of legacies, we dove into the rich history of jazz in the Emerald City with the launch of the Jackson Street Jazz Trail. This tour took us on a journey through the International District and up to Washington Hall, highlighting the iconic musicians and venues that have shaped Seattle's jazz scene.

Supporting Black-Owned Businesses and Building Community

As always, we showed love to our incredible Black-owned businesses. We explored Marjorie Restaurant's grand opening in the Central District (the food was FIRE, y'all!), indulged in some mouthwatering BBQ at Lil Red's Takeout and Catering, and caught up with the stylish folks at ETC Tacoma.

We also took a trip down memory lane in Portland, visiting the fabulous Melody Brown at L&M Hair Lounge, where the Rose City's finest get their hair laid.

And I'm so excited to be partnering with Intentionalist as the face of the Buy Black Card! This powerful tool makes it easy to support Black-owned businesses across the Greater Seattle Area. We even had our first-ever Buy Black Brunch at Simply Soulful, where we enjoyed delicious food and gave attendees their very own $50 Buy Black Cards, thanks to our friends at BECU.

Building a Brighter Future

We also explored important initiatives like the "Build The Beach" Local Loyalty Program, which supports businesses in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. And I had the honor of attending the grand opening of the Beacon Pacific Village Apartments, a project that's providing much-needed affordable housing for families in Beacon Hill.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

As we wrap up November, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you, the incredible Back2Besa community. Your support, your stories, and your love fuel this journey. I'm so grateful to be a part of this community, and I can't wait to see what we accomplish together in the future.

Remember, keep shining, keep striving, and keep supporting each other. And until next time, keep that energy high!