Back2Besa: Celebrating Juneteenth in WA
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

From PJ’s Ice Cream to Emmy Gold: Stories That Uplift, Inspire & Move the Community
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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
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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
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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.

Honoring Impact, Making History & Trying Something New Things on Back2Besa
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This week on Back2Besa, Besa Gordon takes you inside the GSBA Impact Awards, DEFY Wrestling’s SUPER 8XGP, and Edmonds International Women’s Day. Plus, she tries golf for the first time with Seahawks legend Jermaine Kearse, celebrates The UpNUp Podcast’s 100th episode, and highlights the HBCU Seattle Series kickoff.

Back2Besa full episode: Mar. 15
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Highlighting the latest trends, inspiring stories and interviews with notable people; hosted by Besa Gordon.

Back2Besa full episode: Mar. 8
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Highlighting the latest trends, inspiring stories and interviews with notable people; hosted by Besa Gordon.

Back2Besa full episode: Mar. 1
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Highlighting the latest trends, inspiring stories and interviews with notable people; hosted by Besa Gordon.

From Black Voices and Leadership to Culinary Delights on Back2Besa
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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
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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!