Seattle Honors Mandela, Black Media, and Rising Youth Talent on This Inspiring Back2Besa Episode
From the Mandela exhibit at MOHAI to rooftop honors for Seattle media icons, this episode of Back2Besa celebrates community, culture, and Black excellence. Meet Maya Russell, star of the Teen Summer Musical’s “The Wiz,” and step into events like Scope Screenings and the Blueprint Brunch, where local voices shape a brighter future.
Seattle Honors Mandela, Black Media, and Rising Youth Talent on This Inspiring Back2Besa Episode
From the Mandela exhibit at MOHAI to rooftop honors for Seattle media icons, this episode of Back2Besa celebrates community, culture, and Black excellence. Meet Maya Russell, star of the Teen Summer Musical’s “The Wiz,” and step into events like Scope Screenings and the Blueprint Brunch, where local voices shape a brighter future.
Back2Besa: Celebrating Juneteenth in WA
Today, we recognize Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This morning, Besa Gordon joined Good Day Seattle to talk about some of the events happening in western Washington.
Uplifting Youth Voices: From Garfield High to Rainier Beach, This Week’s Stories Are All About Legacy
This week on Back2Besa, guest host Tavis Conway highlights youth, legacy, and healing across Seattle. From honoring Amarr Murphy-Paine at Garfield to celebrating scholarships in Mount Baker, a new support fund at Interagency, and Rainier Beach’s brand-new campus—this episode is all about turning pain into purpose and building brighter futures.
Young Voices, Caribbean Flavor & World Cup Art — MarkTellsYa Hosts a Powerful Episode of Back2Besa
Guest host MarkTellsYa takes us from youth empowerment at Rising Voices to flavorful stops at Island Soul and Taste of the Caribbean. We meet Seattle’s World Cup poster designer, go behind the scenes with Team TellsYa, and celebrate Pride at the Columbia City Beat Walk. Plus, Besa shares a Juneteenth event you need to know about.
Rena Butler Brings Depth, Identity, and Curiosity to the Stage with “Cracks” at Pacific Northwest Ballet
Rena Butler's new piece "Cracks" premieres at Pacific Northwest Ballet as part of Director’s Choice, blending themes of identity, queerness, and self-love. In her convo with Besa Gordon, Rena reflected on grounding, breaking norms in ballet, and the power of curiosity. “We’re not monoliths. We do everything under the sun.” Catch Cracks starting May 30 and see why Rena is one of the most exciting choreographers in dance today.
Back2Besa full episode: May 31, 2025
In this week's episode of Back2Besa, guest host Lex Scope takes viewers on a tour of the Pacific Northwest. Highlights include a TV production training session at M5, a visit to Altha's Louisiana Cajun Store in Kent, a rewind of the Scope Screenings grand finale, and a trip to the Pickford Film Center in Bellingham. Additionally, the episode features the AAU National Powerlifting Meet at Bull Stewart’s Gym and a special appearance by Besa Gordon.
Rena Butler Brings Depth, Identity, and Curiosity to the Stage with “Cracks” at Pacific Northwest Ballet
Rena Butler's new piece "Cracks" premieres at Pacific Northwest Ballet as part of Director’s Choice, blending themes of identity, queerness, and self-love. In her convo with Besa Gordon, Rena reflected on grounding, breaking norms in ballet, and the power of curiosity. “We’re not monoliths. We do everything under the sun.” Catch Cracks starting May 30 and see why Rena is one of the most exciting choreographers in dance today.
Healing, High Tea & Line Dancing: A Celebration of Black Joy and Community on Back2Besa
Highlighting the latest trends, inspiring stories and interviews with notable people; hosted by Besa Gordon.