From PJ’s Ice Cream to Emmy Gold: Stories That Uplift, Inspire & Move the Community
This week on Back2Besa, we’re diving into Black joy, culture, and community—starting with PJ’s Ice Cream in Seattle’s Central District and a community-powered CD Art Walk. We’re rewinding Red Bull’s Lords of the Floor, celebrating Trae Holiday’s Emmy nomination, and getting creative at a Sip & Pour brunch in Burien. Plus, Besa shares local events to help you enjoy the sunshine!
Black Excellence in Bloom: Beauty, Wellness & Growth Across the PNW
In this week’s episode of Back2Besa, Besa highlights powerful Black-owned spaces that are shifting the culture through community, creativity, and courage. From a vibrant plant and vinyl shop in Pioneer Square to a thriving beauty studio in Milton, we’re celebrating entrepreneurs who chose to build their own doors instead of waiting for one to open.
Food, Feels & Legacy: Mariners Eats, Reproductive Justice, and Honoring Jimi Hendrix
This week on Back2Besa, Besa Gordon hits the Mariners Food Preview at T-Mobile Park, we explore Black reproductive justice at Pass The Yams, and honor Jimi Hendrix’s legacy at the state Capitol. Revisit The Feels Foundation Showcase, check out the CD Art Walk, and wrap up Women’s History Month with a tribute to Black women shaping culture and community.
From Black Voices and Leadership to Culinary Delights on Back2Besa
This week on Back 2 Besa, we’re diving into the story behind the Together Candle, a collaboration between Noir Lux Candle Bar, The Postman, and artist Jessie Lipscomb. Then, I’m catching a ferry to Bainbridge Island for the Celebrating Black Voices: One Day Film Festival. We’re also kicking off our Profiles in Black Leadership series with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and his cabinet at Marjorie Restaurant. Plus, I’m at Jerk Shack Kitchen with Chef Trey Lamont, learning how to make jerk lamb chops with his new hot honey, Queen Be!
Candles, Community & MLB Dreams: Celebrating Black Excellence & Creativity
This week on Back2Besa we are giving a recap of the candle collaboration between Noir Lux Candle Bar, The Postman, and artist Jessie Lipscomb catching MLB dreams at the Mariners Training Center, and diving into the latest update on Seattle’s historic Black Firefighter’s house. Plus, we’re recapping the Northwest Gumbo Competition, taping in with Hey Black Seattle for their first Let's Pull Up tour stop, and linking with creatives at the Legendary AF mixer in Auburn!
Building Black Wealth: The Black Equity Ball, Small Biz Resources & Black Art
This week on Back2Besa, we’re tapping in with Black-owned businesses, resources, and events you need to know about! I’m making candles with my Converge Media fam at Noir Lux Candle Bar, learning about small business resources from the Office of Economic Development, exploring Black art at Arte Noir, and sitting down with Anzhane Slaughter to talk about the Black Equity Ball. Plus, we’ll wrap up with an affirmation to send you into the week feeling inspired.
Building Legacy: Black Colleges, Businesses, and Connection
This week on Back2Besa, we spotlight the 7th Annual Black College Expo at Rainier Beach High School, visit Umami Kushi for their Chicken and Beignets, and explore The Commitment Journey with Alaska Airlines and UNCF. Plus, we talk resources for Black-owned businesses with Jenefeness, and stop by Beautiful Awakenings Spa in Renton.
Back2Besa full episode: Jan. 11
This week on Back2Besa, we’re celebrating Black excellence across the Pacific Northwest! From the grand opening of WeRise Wines to the soulful vibes of “Covered” and the artistry at the Seattle Opera’s Black Artists Market, this episode is all about uplifting creativity, community, and resilience. Plus, we’re diving into the sweet success of Bite Me Cookies, connecting at The Mixer in Portland, and embracing the beauty of Black Joy.
Back2Besa full episode: Dec. 14
This week on Back2Besa, we celebrate community and culture! We’re at Metier Brewing for the Back2Besa national FOX Soul Launch Party, then head to Kent for Moe Vegan’s grand opening. With Black Nativity back, we rewind to last year’s opening night. We’re also in Portland for Trap Kitchen PDX’s 6th annual Christmas Tree Giveaway, and at SIFF Uptown for Scope Screenings’ season 3 finale, plus we celebrate10 years of Creative Justice uplifting our youth.
Back2Besa full episode: Nov. 30
On this episode of Back2Besa, Besa Gordon takes viewers from Tacoma to Portland, learning how ETC Tacoma has kept the city in style for the last 10 years, empowering artists with Langston Hughes’ Create and Thrive program and supporting the Portland community with Trap Kitchen PDX’s Trap Thanksgiving. She also shows what went down at the Seattle Sports Commission’s Women in Leadership Breakfast and showcased the MXR Mixer at Black and Tan, and a Black-owned crystal shop called Sankofa Boutique; Besa wraps up with a November recap and her inspiring Affirmation of the Week.
