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.
Healing, Hustle & Heritage: Back2Besa Highlights Black Wellness and the Power of Community
Besa Gordon is back and diving into a packed week! This episode features visits to the Seattle Aquarium's new ocean pavilion and Platinum Plush Fashions. Besa also shares the premiere of her Mariners commercial, highlights the Abundance Health BIPOC Health & Wellness Fair, and sits down for a hilarious interview with Bill Bellamy. Plus, a Mariners food preview rewind, coverage of the Cierra Sisters health fair, and a trip to the NAACP National Convention.
Besa Gordon Returns to Celebrate & Uplift Community
In this episode, Besa Gordon returns to host Back2Besa after an 8-week break, sharing her journey of healing from the inside out. The show features a lineup of uplifting segments, including a trip to Portland for the Bloom Runway Dynasty fashion show, a visit to Lakewood to "Freshen Up A Bit" with mobile car detailer Cashier, a walk with the Daddy's Stroller Social Club at Barnett Park, and a celebration of Nate Jackson's Netflix special premiere in Tacoma. Besa also takes time to thank the guest hosts who filled in during her absence and emphasizes the themes of Black Joy and self-acceptance throughout the episode.
Back2Besa full episode: July 19
Highlighting the latest trends, inspiring stories and interviews with notable people; hosted by Besa Gordon.
Youth, Leadership, and Community Impact? Tavis Conway Hosts Back2Besa
This week on Back2Besa, guest host Tavis Conway highlights stories of youth, leadership, and community impact. The episode features the FAST Next Generation Level Up Celebration, a look back at the HBCU Swingman Classic, the "Learn from the Pros" event at Desmond Trufant's Sunset Estates, the grand opening of Molly Moon's new waterfront shop, a Juneteenth fireside chat with Cliff Avril in Spokane, and the fourth season kickoff of Scope Screenings.
Back2Besa Full Episode: July 5
Highlighting the latest trends, inspiring stories and interviews with notable people; hosted by Besa Gordon.
Back2Besa Full Episode: June 28
Guest host Jazz from Seattle leads this episode of Back2Besa, featuring highlights from Tacoma's Juneteenth celebration with Besa Gordon, an interview with D Smoke and the Innovative Change Makers, King County?s first Summit on Crime Survivors, a rewind to the HBCU Seattle Series Vibe Bingo, a spotlight on Mattice Beauty Supply, and a look at Mediums Collective's "Back to the Streets" Fashion Show.
Back2Besa: Music, poetry, and soul food from Seattle to Spokane
Highlighting the latest trends, inspiring stories and interviews with notable people; hosted by Besa Gordon.
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.
BBQ, Black Business, Wellness & Reunions: A Powerful Celebration of Community on Back2Besa
This week on Back2Besa, guest host Jazz From Seattle takes us from BBQ in Columbia City to Black business networking in Renton, wellness in Rainier Valley, and a powerful rewind to Reunion on Union. Plus, we celebrate homeownership and Deaunte Damper’s unforgettable birthday bash!
Fresh Soul, Coffee & Juice
This week on Back2Besa, guest host Jazz from Seattle fills in for Besa Gordon. The episode features segments on Fresh Soul in Spokane, a youth job training program; Trae Holiday at the Black Media Matters Studio; Blend Coffee and Kicks in Queen Anne; MUVA, an art space for mothers; RoJo Juice in Pike Place Market; the Akeem Ali concert in Tacoma; and a tribute to Besa Gordon.
Legacy, Leadership, and Layered Cakes
In this week’s Back2Besa, Besa highlights legacy and leadership from Seattle to Spokane to Portland. She visits Sweet Pea’s Custom Cakes in the U-District, celebrates Black girl brilliance at Spokane’s first-ever Miss Juneteenth Pageant, and joins DJ OG ONE in Portland for his birthday and nonprofit launch. Plus, Emma’s BBQ brings the flavor in South Seattle, and we look back on April’s best moments—with fresh events and affirmations to carry you forward.
Culture, Comfort & Community: A Legacy in Motion
This week on Back2Besa, Besa Gordon takes you from Seattle to Spokane, spotlighting culture, legacy, and local love. From a Q-Tip vs. J Dilla Verzuz tribute and a powerful Tacoma event with LaRussell, to a poetry night during Black Maternal Health Week, a soul food gem in Fife called Lizzie Lou's Too, and honoring the Tuskegee Airmen—this episode is all about Black excellence and community care.
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.