Converge Media LLC

🚨 NEW TRAILER ALTERT 🚨 Facing The Reign is the story of Jessa Thomas, the inspiring 17-year-old cowgirl from Kittitas County, Washington, who is the reigning #MissTeenRodeoWashington 2024 and the first African-American state title holder. Jessa's passion for caring for animals extends beyond the rodeo arena. At home on Windswept Farms, she raises miniature Herefords and looks after the farm's livestock. Her natural ability to care for animals has driven her to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. As the first African American state title holder, Jessa is determined to provide greater representation for different demographics through her platform, "Be YOU-tiful." She encourages everyone to be proud of who they are and to embrace their uniqueness. Jessa believes that everyone should have the chance to experience the feeling of standing in an arena surrounded by a patriotic community, coming together to pray, cheer, and laugh. Big shoutout to our team of #ConvergeMedia filmmakers, Winfield Ezell Jr., Brady McAtee, Trey Ezell, Matt Bermudez, and our Production Manager, Alaia D’Alessandro, for once again creating a film that highlights trailblazers in our region. Click here to learn more about #FacingTheReign - https://lnkd.in/g7YQhNGa

This week on Back2Nesa with guest host Deaunte Damper, we relive the south sound music festival. See the story and more tonight at 10:30 PM on FOX 13 Seattle, and you can see the replay tomorrow at 10 AM, FOX 13+.

The Rainier Valley Food Bank (RVFB) recently held a celebration to mark the beginning of renovations that will transform the existing food bank building into an expanded Community Food Hub. The renovations, slated for completion in Fall 2025, will enable RVFB to serve more people in the area's most diverse neighborhood with nutritious, culturally relevant food and expanded access to partner services. Executive Director Gloria Hatcher-Mays expressed her excitement about the project, emphasizing the food bank's long-standing commitment to the community. The Community Food Hub will feature a commercial kitchen, new storage space, grocery store-style distribution, a community garden, and gathering spaces for partner organizations. Food Services Manager Otis Pimpleton, who has been with RVFB for 11 years, has witnessed the organization's growth firsthand. He sees the new building as a place to serve guests with dignity and provide meaningful purpose for staff and volunteers. The celebration included a ceremonial planting of a fruit cocktail tree, symbolizing RVFB's commitment to nutrition and growth. Performances by the Mak Fai Chinese Lion Dancers and Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theater added to the festivities. Even as the pandemic has slowed, the need for RVFB's services remains high. One in four people in southeast Seattle is food insecure, and nearly 80% of children in the area qualify for free and reduced-price school meals. The RVFB Community Food Hub aims to address these needs by providing a welcoming and supportive environment where people can access food, services, and community. https://lnkd.in/g2TfHtEP

Bobby is turning 35... again. Join the celebration and see what all the fuss is about when COMPANY takes over the Paramount July 23-28. It's the musical comedy that's single, married, and everything in between. Tickets: https://lnkd.in/gv4gDQ9M

Today, Trae connects with Annie Gaston Polite, the Owner & Designer of Gaston Gear Designer Clothes. She shares her journey in fashion and how she consistently creates one-of-a-kind pieces that so many enjoy. Next, Trae catches up with Marshall Hugh, the Festival Creator of Fremont Fridays & Member of Marshall Law Band. He gives us the history of Fremont Fridays and how they continue to offer artists, comedians, vendors, and music lovers a chance to connect on an intimate level.

#ConvergeMusic - Darrius Willrich began his musical journey at 15, initially taking piano lessons, which sparked a deep interest in the instrument. Now, he inspires the next generation through his remarkable skills and passion for teaching. Click the link below to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/enwcPeCx

Deaunte Damper uplifted the Young & Talented Showcase at The Black and Tan Hall on FOX 13's Good Day Seattle earlier this week as he previewed this weekend's episode of Back2Besa. #Back2Besa #FOX13Seattle https://lnkd.in/eHXkWfKa

#GunViolence - King County and the City of Seattle are joining hands for "100 Days of Action" to address gun violence. Community groups such as Urban Family and Community Passageways are concurrently launching "100 Days of Peace." https://lnkd.in/ePY_5eJD

Ezell's Famous Chicken, the popular Pacific Northwest fried chicken chain, is set to host its third annual R.U.B.B. Initiative Conference this August. The conference, created in collaboration with DoorDash and other partners, aims to uplift and empower Black business owners in Washington state. This year's theme, "Ignite & Inspire: Building the Future of Black-Owned Businesses," reflects the conference's commitment to providing resources, education, and networking opportunities tailored to the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs. The event will feature a "Fireside Chat" with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Ollie Garrett, President/CEO of PMT Solutions/Tabor100, along with seminars on marketing, branding, and business growth. Founded by Lewis Rudd and his siblings, the R.U.B.B. Initiative has been instrumental in supporting Black-owned businesses through financial grants and mentorship. This year's conference builds on that legacy, aiming to foster a thriving ecosystem of Black-owned businesses in the region. The conference will be held at the University of Washington's Seattle campus on Saturday, August 17th. Tickets are available for $50, and scholarship requests can be sent to RUBB@ezellsfamouschicken.com. https://lnkd.in/eqgEqAPz

The Seattle Human Services Department announced the return of its Summer Food Service Program, starting July 1st. This vital program, also known as the Summer Meals Program, will be available at 70 locations throughout the city, including 13 in District 3. It ensures that children and teenagers aged 1-18 can access nutritious meals during summer. Addressing Summer Food Insecurity For many families, the summer break can pose a challenge in providing regular, healthy meals for their children. The Summer Meals Program aims to bridge this gap by offering free breakfasts, lunches, and snacks to young people who might otherwise experience food insecurity. Each participant is entitled to up to two meals or one meal and one snack per day, to be enjoyed onsite at the designated locations. Dr. Shukri Olow, director of the Human Services Department's Youth and Family Empowerment Division, emphasizes the program's significance: "Our program helps fill the gap when school is not in session. This year, we expect to provide more than 100,000 meals and almost as many snacks." A Long-Standing Commitment to Community Wellbeing Established in the late 1960s, the Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded initiative by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), administered at the state level by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This longstanding program reflects a nationwide commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of children and youth, particularly during the summer months when school meals are not available. Program Details and Accessibility The Summer Meals Program is scheduled to run through August 23, 2024. It is open to all Seattle residents, regardless of immigration status, reinforcing the city's commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to essential services. To find a convenient Summer Meals Program site near you, please refer to the 2024 Summer Food Service Program site map or contact SFSP@seattle.gov for further information. https://lnkd.in/gxZzXyad