#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.

Fifty years is a significant milestone for any organization, and for Solid Ground, it marks half a century dedicated to eradicating poverty in the greater Seattle community. Earlier this month, Solid Ground celebrated its 50th Anniversary Gala, a momentous event that reflected on the impactful work they've done over the years and highlighted the stories of those they've helped.

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.

Besa Gordon first interviewed 24kGoldn back in 2019 when she was still a radio host for KUBE 93. Back then, 24kGoldn was only like 18 years old and was promoting his song Valintino which had just begun to pick up steam on the radio charts.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

#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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

#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.

Converge Media had the honor and opportunity to join hands with the Spectrum Dance Theater to uplift their 40th-anniversary gala and celebration at their annual Movement Gala with the screening of this film we produced in partnership with the theater. In it, viewers will see the history of Spectrum as well as a broad look at the community impacts of the organization.

The Soul Pole has stood tall outside The Seattle Public Library’s Douglass-Truth Branch for almost 50 years. Now, the 21-foot tall artwork – which the Black Heritage Society of Washington State has called a “beacon of Black pride” in the Central District – is starring in a short documentary produced by Seattle’s Converge Media.

Finding Go is a film documenting the life and legacy of Broderick Adé Hogue. An art director, designer, and letterer, Hogue’s influence was felt in many spheres across the country and even around the world.

Baseball is a beautiful game, especially when played in a community. Not long ago, Baseball Beyond Borders and Converge Media took a powerful, eye-opening journey through the heart of the south which included baseball, civil rights, and reconciliation.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

#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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

#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.

A Mutual Goodbye - Iconic Seattle fish market closes its doors after 77 years. Besa Gordon and her show Back2Besa teamed up with Cynthia Brothers from Vanishing Seattle to capture the moment and honor the legacy of the historic Mutual Fish Company.

Last week, Besa Gordon decided to do something that she hadn’t done in a while… a real deal roadtrip. She took a trip across the state to Spokane - and let her tell it:“My girl Nicole and I headed to the other side of the Evergreen State into the City of Spokane - 280 miles from downtown Seattle, basically a four and a half hour drive.

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.

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.

Community members gathered at Lake Washington Park on Saturday to celebrate Elijah Lewis Day on what would have been his 24th Birthday. Family, friends, and community leaders hosted a lantern ceremony to honor Lewis, who was tragically murdered in April while defending his nephew.

Converge Media had the privilege of producing a short film to uplift and celebrate the life of D’Vonne Pickett Jr. and his impact on the CD Panthers. The CD Panthers football program provides the opportunity to play football to over 250 children in the community, and it was a program Pickett cared deeply about. He was head coach for the 6u team which his son plays for, and Converge Media followed their journey through practices and the championship game.

#ThePostman - “Our hero is forever etched in our hearts.”

Yesterday, a section of East Union Street was given the honorary designation of D’Vonne Pickett Jr. Way. In an emotional ceremony, family members and friends of Pickett as well as city officials spoke about the impact he had and what it means to celebrate his life and legacy in this way.

#HBCU #SwingmanClassic - "This is a family reunion.”It was a historic day in the Emerald City as the first-ever Swingman Classic took over T-Mobile park on Friday and brought Seattle’s Black community to the stadium for a celebration of Black joy, baseball, and HBCUs. The game brought 50 of the best HBCU baseball players from around the country to Seattle to showcase their talents, while an HBCU college fair took place in the concourse.

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.

Converge Media would like to thank Vanishing Seattle and the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods for bringing this film to life.

Converge Media would like to thank Vanishing Seattle and the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods for bringing this film to life.

Converge Media would like to thank Vanishing Seattle and the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods for bringing this film to life.

Converge Media takes you inside The Crawsover Pro-Am and what it means to the community.

#DayOfRemembrance - Last Monday, community members gathered to remember those we’ve lost during the City of Seattle and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility One Seattle Day of Remembrance event at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill in Seattle. It was a somber and reflective day featuring a memorial as well as a look at the work different organizations and individuals are doing throughout the community to end the epidemic of violence.

It was a community reunion in the #CentralDistrict on Sunday as @africatownlandtrust hosted their annual Reunion On Union creating space for those who used to call the CD home but have been displaced over the years to come back home to the neighborhood to fill their hearts, souls, and stomachs. Over 450 seats lined East Union Street between 23rd and 24th Avenue in the shadow of ACLT’s Liberty Bank Building as generations of Central District residents greeted, laughed, and cried.