The power of youth storytelling will take center stage at the upcoming 11th Annual Rising Voices Oratory Showcase & Celebration, hosted by Speak With Purpose (SWP). The event, which amplifies the voices of young scholars across King County, will be held on Saturday, June 14 at the Seattle Museum of Flight. Preliminaries were Saturday, May 31, and the showcase is free and open to the public.

Founded by award-winning educator and advocate Toyia T. Taylor, Speak With Purpose is the only in-school storytelling and oratory program of its kind in the region. The program provides students—from grades 3 through 8—with tools to express themselves through journaling, writing, and public speaking. According to Taylor, the program is about far more than just speeches—it’s about giving students permission to be heard.

“My journal became my brave space to exist and not be judged,” Taylor shared in a recent interview. “I want every student who feels voiceless to know their story matters.”

The Rising Voices Showcase is the culmination of months of in-class work where students evolve from silent scribblers to confident speakers. Last year’s showcase featured more than 120 students who courageously shared original speeches on topics ranging from ADHD and identity to the unhoused crisis and intergenerational resilience. Seahawks players, local DJs, and community leaders are among those who regularly show up to cheer them on.

“You hear babies in the audience yelling, ‘You’re beautiful!’ while students are on stage,” Taylor added. “That kind of support matters—it tells them they belong.”

One of the most moving stories Taylor recalled involved a transgender student who began the program withdrawn and afraid to speak in class. With time and support, that student not only took the stage at Rising Voices but won first place in middle school oratory, later becoming an ambassador for Seattle Public Schools.

“By the end, they stood tall in who they were. That’s what this is all about—healing, power, and voice.”

Speak With Purpose currently partners with seven schools, reaching over 750 students annually, and is working toward expanding its model to schools across Washington State—and eventually, the country. As Taylor shared, the vision is clear:

“There isn’t a child in this state that shouldn’t have access to a program like Speak With Purpose. The goal is to grow from seven schools to seventy.”

Event Information:

• Preliminaries: Saturday, May 31

• Showcase Day: Saturday, June 14

• Location: Seattle Museum of Flight

• Admission: Free, including museum entry

• More Info & Tickets: speakwithpurpose.org/risingvoices25

Community members are encouraged to bring their families, friends, and voices to support this next generation of changemakers.

“This is where young people are empowered to speak truth to power,” Taylor said. “They are ready. All we have to do is listen.”

Village Theatre’s new production of The Color Purple is more than a musical — it’s an emotional journey brought to life through rich harmonies, gospel roots, and a cast that feels like family.

In a recent Events to Know About interview, Back2Besa host Besa Gordon sat down with Sheilah V Walker, music supervisor for the production, to get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this version of The Color Purple stand out.

“Every time this story is told, it’s fresh — because you have new people, new eyes, and new audiences,” said Walker.

This production uses music from the original Broadway show — not the film — with compositions by Allee Willis, Brenda Russell, and Stephen Bray. Audiences can expect a blend of gospel, R&B, soul, and even modern musical influences that give the show its vibrant energy.

“It’s inspirational,” Walker shared. “When you walk away, you will be inspired.”

Walker described the casting process as focused on finding true “triple threats” — performers who can act, sing, and dance — and revealed that both national and local talent came together to form a cast that not only sounds phenomenal but shares real chemistry.

“These performers love this piece and they’ve become a family. That’s what The Color Purple is all about,” she said. “We even needed tissue after singing that final number.”

Some of the most powerful moments in the show include Celie’s emotional solo “I’m Here” and a surprising moment of transformation from Mister — both of which promise to move audiences deeply.

“When we first did the final number together — ‘The Color Purple’ — no one said anything. We just started crying,” Walker recalled. “It sums up everything. It’s all about love.”

🎟️ The Color Purple runs at Village Theatre in Issaquah from May 27–June 29 and in Everett from July 5–27, 2025. Tickets are available now at VillageTheatre.org/Purple.

Walker, who previously conducted the first national tour and worked closely with the original production, says this version is one audiences won’t want to miss.

“You will be so happy that you invested your time, your money, and your energy into coming to see us. You will feel like family at the very end.”

When Juneteenth rolls around, Seattle will once again feel the electric energy of community, creativity, and culture thanks to the Griot Party Experience. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Broadway Performance Theater, this free event is more than just a celebration—it's a full-on unity experience.

In an interview with Besa Gordon for Events to Know About, event curator Logic Amen shared that this year’s celebration is all about bringing people together through “hip hop, spoken word, storytelling-theater at its finest.” And yes, there’s even a fashion show during intermission, plus giveaways and complimentary T-shirts for the first 100 people who register.

"We want to bring everyone together—from fashion to vendors to the performances,” Logic said. “That’s what the Griot Party Experience is about.”

Set to feature Vitamin D, Livio, Zig, Sharp Skills, THC, the Militant Intellectuals, and more. Logic emphasized that each performer brings a unique style to the stage, but they’re all united by a shared purpose: community healing and creative expression.

“After this experience, I want people to feel inspired to use art and creativity to come together, heal generational harm, and tell their own stories,” Logic shared. “Telling your story is music—it’s a song.”

Doors open at 12 PM and the show kicks off at 1 PM on June 19 at the Broadway Performance Theater. Food vendors will be on-site, and donations are encouraged to support this impactful and intentional gathering. The event is sponsored by a growing list of community partners including Umoja Community, Intentions Juice and Smoothie Bar, Taproot, and more.

To register, visit Eventbrite and search for Griot Party Experience Juneteenth or click here.

Mark your calendar, tell a friend, and don’t miss this powerful celebration of freedom, creativity, and Black joy.

If you're looking for the move this Memorial Day Weekend, look no further than Bellevue. PapaBlack DaVinci is hosting his first-ever All White Party on Sunday, May 25th at Mirra, and according to him—it’s going to be “some energy in Bellevue you don’t want to miss.”

Known for throwing events that fuse celebrity vibes with community love, PapaBlack is bringing that same magic to the Eastside. And while he’s no stranger to hosting A-list nights, this one is a little different. “I usually do celebrity events, but this was an opportunity I wanted to take full advantage of,” he told Besa Gordon in an exclusive Events to Know About sit-down. “I wanted to bring something mature, safe, and culturally rich to Bellevue.”

What to Expect

Music Vibes: Top 40 hits, reggae, R&B, Hip Hop, and a blend of old-school and new-school bangers spun by some of the dopest DJs in the city “You’re gonna see 21-year-olds there, you’re gonna see 50-year-olds there,” PapaBlack said. “So I gotta fill that void to make sure everybody gets a little piece.”

Celebrity Energy: Without giving away too much, he confirmed that Seddy Hendrinx is flying in to celebrate and perform. “He enjoyed his last trip out here so much, he had to come back,” PapaBlack teased. Expect surprise guests and even a few pro athletes in the building—“off-season, so they can party too.”

Full Experience: Mirra is more than just a nightclub. With the biggest LED screen in the Pacific Northwest, virtual reality by day, late-night food service till 1 AM, and a terrace with skyline views—it’s a full-on immersive experience. “It’s one of the rare places you can party and eat till late,” PapaBlack said. “The service is top-tier. It’s safe. And yes… there’s free parking in Bellevue.”

Dress Code: “Don’t come in the door without wearing all white,” he warned. “We want to keep the aesthetic clean. If you’re not in white… you might get hit with an upcharge.”

The Bigger Picture

While the party itself is a whole mood, PapaBlack is building something deeper. “I just want people to feel safe. Young or old. I want people from different backgrounds and neighborhoods to be in one space, have fun, and get home safe,” he said. “It’s about showing that we can come together, celebrate, and vibe in a real way.”

From South Seattle to Bellevue, from rapping with Dipset to curating nights for the city—PapaBlack’s journey is about elevation. And his advice to his younger self? “Take care of it. Love it. Respect it. You’ll get even better with time.”

🎟️ TICKETS:Get yours ASAP—PapaBlack expects this to sell out FAST. Click here for tickets

📍 LOCATION: Mirra - 500 Bellevue Way NE Suite 310, 3rd floor, Bellevue, WA 98004
Doors open at 9 PM

All-white attire REQUIRED

PRO TIP:This is the perfect chance to experience MIR’s nightlife setup and sample the menu if you haven’t been yet.

Stay ready, stay fly, and don’t miss your chance to be part of a new tradition in the city.

Have an event coming up that you want promoted on Events To Know About? E-Mail [email protected] and let’s get your event out there! You can also click here and fill out the form. Let’s talk.

By Besa Gordon - This Saturday, it’s all about community, connection, and care. I caught up with Rob Ross (@206robross) to talk about his 2nd Annual Wellness and Resource Fair going down May 10th at the Delridge Community Center—and trust me, it’s a whole vibe.

From free food and haircuts to games for the kids, housing info and more, this event is all about showing love to West Seattle while making resources feel accessible, fun, and community-centered. Major salute to Rob for not just talking about it—but being about it.

See you there!

Kariba Jack, founder of the Northwest Naturals Expo, is excited to present the 9th Annual Northwest Naturals Expo, a weekend curated for your "future" highly elevated self. The event draws in good vibes and energy, prioritizing self-care, inner beauty, and wellness.

Join the community gathering the weekend of April 18-19, 2025, at Hotel 116 in Bellevue, WA, for "The Future & Beyond" experience. Attendees can expect presenters, hands-on classes including floral arrangements and beauty techniques, rotating DJs, a vendor marketplace, and a networking kickoff event with appetizers from Pacifica Grill. Tickets are available online at NorthwestNaturalsExpo.com or at the door. Do you have an event you want us to know about? Drop us an email: [email protected]

By Besa Gordon - Fun fact, I’ve been going to the Reign of Style Hair show and Competition for years now, it’s always been a day where I get to learn about new hair stylist in our area, and see they let loose with their creativity. Sunday will be their 11th annual event and if you’ve never been, I tapped in with its creator Aisha Ellis-Asim to get the tea on what’s going down this year.

Tap in with our interview and be sure to pull up on Sunday.

📅 Pull up on March 2nd
🎟️ Grab your $20 ticket NOW at reignofstyle.com/tickets

Mark your calendars! On March 15th, @artscorps is hosting its Thrive fundraiser at the @wowgalleryexp in Pacific Place Mall—a night dedicated to celebrating youth creativity, community collaboration, and the power of the arts. This event directly supports ARTS Corp’s mission to provide free arts programming for students in South Seattle, South King County, and Central Seattle.

As Executive Director Shawn Roberts explains, "ARTS Corp is a nationally recognized youth arts organization working to close the gap in access to arts education, especially for students who need it most." The Thrive fundraiser helps make that possible, ensuring young artists have the space to explore their creativity and build essential skills.

Expect an inspiring evening featuring student visual art displays and a special performance by the All City Choir—a group of talented young vocalists from schools across Seattle. Development Director Antonesha Jackson highlights their growth, sharing, "They’ve been building their skills all year, coming from different high schools. It’s incredible to see them perform together."

But Thrive is more than a fundraiser—it’s a moment for young artists to shine. Shawn Roberts puts it best: "When students get to showcase their work, it deepens their learning and builds their confidence."

By attending, you’re not just supporting a cause—you’re stepping into a space filled with creativity, connection, and community spirit. Roberts describes the energy of the night: "There’s this beautiful sense of togetherness, collaboration, and creativity. I can’t wait for our guests to experience it."

Don’t miss an unforgettable evening and help uplift the next generation of artists. Grab your tickets now:https://bit.ly/4gQNtsZ