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.
Honoring Impact, Making History & Trying Something New Things on Back2Besa
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
Highlighting the latest trends, inspiring stories and interviews with notable people; hosted by Besa Gordon.
Back2Besa full episode: Mar. 8
Highlighting the latest trends, inspiring stories and interviews with notable people; hosted by Besa Gordon.
Back2Besa full episode: Mar. 1
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
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!
Celebrating New Beginnings: Grand Openings, Community Wins on Back2Besa
This week on Back2Besa, we’re celebrating new beginnings and community wins! From the grand openings of WeRise Wines, Marjorie Restaurant, and Moe Vegan to the transformative impact of Africatown Plaza and Beacon Pacific Village Apartments—these spaces are redefining culture and connection in the PNW. Plus, we’re throwing it back to our Back2Besa FOX Soul Launch Party at Métier Brewing!
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. 18
Host Besa Gordon takes you on a tour of Seattle's Black businesses and creative spaces. This week, Besa visits Kerry Hall, recently acquired by the Seattle Theatre Group, to learn about its history and future plans. She also stops by the Curl Garden, a Black-owned hair salon that prioritizes mental health, and Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar in Tacoma, which offers healthy food and community events. Plus, Besa chats with journalists from Africa about media literacy, visits The Station Coffee Shop in Columbia City, and Hey Black Seattle's Kiesha Garrison takes us to Jerk Shack Kitchen in the Central District.
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. 21
This week on Back2Besa, we're rewinding to some of our favorite feel-good moments on the show. Like Bubblin Brown Sugar 2023, Reunion on Union, the Craven family reunion, Spectrum Dance Theatre, WOW Gallerie's Juneteenth celebration, the Reign of Style Hair Competition, and the time we learned about self-care and self-love.
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: Dec. 7
This week on Back2Besa, Besa Gordon shows us what went down at her sold-out Buy Black Card Brunch, gets you moving with MixxedFit, and reflects on World AIDS Day. Ground Zero Radio helps us uplift young entrepreneurs at the Tacoma Children’s Business Fair and this week’s rewind with Besa took us back to the Dignity for Divas’ food pantry launch and Communion Restaurant's 3 year anniversary.
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.
Back2Besa full episode: Nov. 23
This week on Back2Besa, host Besa Gordon celebrates Black excellence and community empowerment. The episode features the NAACP Freedom Fund Gala in Spokane, highlighting keynote speaker Hill Harper's message of unity. It also showcases the Beacon Pacific Village Apartments, providing affordable housing solutions, and Kutt'N'Up's 20th-anniversary celebration, emphasizing the group's impact on Seattle's youth and artistic community. Additionally, the episode explores the "Build The Beach" Local Loyalty Program, supporting local businesses in Rainier Beach, and promotes the Buy Black Card, encouraging intentional spending at Black-owned businesses. It concludes with a Rewind segment featuring the Tre Simmons Turkey Giveaway, spreading holiday cheer, and an affirmation of the week focusing on the power of belief.
Back2Besa full episode: Nov. 17
Join Besa Gordon on this week's episode of Back2Besa as she explores Seattle's rich cultural tapestry and dives into stories of resilience and transformation! First, she delves into the city's vibrant jazz history at the Jackson Street Jazz Trail. Then, she takes you on a mesmerizing journey through the Woodland Park Zoo's WildLanterns, a dazzling display of lights and art. Next, get a spooky recap of October's Scope Screenings, showcasing the region's talented filmmakers. And don't miss the grand opening of Seattle's stunning new Overlook Walk, offering breathtaking views of the waterfront. Plus, a heartwarming story from Eighth Generation, where hope and resilience take center stage. Besa also revisits a story from Season One about Melody Brown, founder of L&M Hair Studio, Lounge, and the Wealthy Stylist Academy in Portland, a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity in the Rose City. It's an episode filled with music, culture, community spirit, and inspiring stories!