The Seattle Medium

The Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast has recently featured an interview with Henry Yates, Public Affairs for TABOR 100, discussing their 23rd Annual Captains of Industry Gala. The event, set to take place on September 7 at the Seattle Convention Center, will celebrate the achievements of minority-owned businesses. As the podcast delves into the organization's mission and the importance of recognizing the contributions of these businesses, it highlights the significant role they play in our economy and society. The interview also sheds light on the challenges faced by minority-owned businesses and the importance of supporting their growth and development. The podcast provides a compelling insight into the workings of TABOR 100 and the impact they are making in the business community. It's a fascinating look at the efforts being made to promote diversity and inclusion in the business world. What are your thoughts on the role of minority-owned businesses in our economy? Do you believe more needs to be done to support their growth and development?

The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle has announced that actress Taraji P. Hinson will be the keynote speaker at their annual breakfast. Josalyn Ford, Chief Advancement Officer for the Urban League, discussed the event and the organization in general on the Seattle Medium’s Rhythm & News Podcast. The Urban League is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering African Americans and other underserved communities through education, job training, and advocacy. Their annual breakfast is a significant event that brings together community leaders, business professionals, and philanthropists to celebrate the organization's achievements and discuss future plans. Taraji P. Hinson, an accomplished actress known for her roles in films such as Hustle & Flow and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, is an excellent choice to keynote the event. Her success in the entertainment industry serves as an inspiration to many, and her insights into the industry could provide valuable insights for those looking to follow in her footsteps. What are your thoughts on the Urban League's decision to have Taraji P. Hinson as their keynote speaker? Do you think her presence will help further the organization's mission of empowering underserved communities?

Langston Seattle's Ebony Arunga has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, a historic venue in Seattle's Central District. Arunga has a deep connection to the Institute, having performed in youth theater there and dedicated her career to social justice and the arts. Arunga's appointment is significant as she is tasked with shaping the future of the institution and bringing her vision to life. Her leadership promises to bring a fresh perspective to the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, which has a rich history of fostering creativity and community engagement. This appointment is a testament to the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership roles, as Arunga brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience in social justice and the arts. Her vision for the institute is sure to inspire and engage the community, and we look forward to seeing the positive changes she will bring. What are your thoughts on the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership roles, particularly in the arts and cultural institutions? How do you think Arunga's appointment will impact the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute?

As the season changes, it's time to embrace the beauty of autumn and explore the hidden benefits of photography as a hobby. The Centers for Disease Control recommends adults 65+ get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, and photography is a great way to stay active. Not only does it provide physical benefits, but it also enhances mental well-being, especially when combined with nature. Autumn offers a wealth of opportunities for capturing stunning shots. The time of day, such as early morning or the golden hour, can make all the difference in your photos. Adding humans to nature scenes can make your photos more immersive and dynamic, while varying your composition and exploring different perspectives can help you achieve professional-quality shots. The variety of colors available in autumn, from reds and oranges to blues and greens, can add depth and vibrancy to your photos. And don't forget to explore the many ways to display your photos, whether it's in your home or at local art shows and competitions. What are your favorite ways to capture the beauty of autumn through photography? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!

Seattle Opera is set to captivate audiences with the world premiere of Jubilee, a new opera by Tazewell Thompson that delves into the legacy of the historic Fisk Jubilee Singers. In anticipation of the opera's premiere, Seattle Opera has organized a series of events and recitals to celebrate the influence of Black American musicians who reshaped music history. The series begins with an eight-week online webinar titled "Face the Music," hosted in collaboration with The Rhapsody Project. This webinar explores the history of Black American music and its impact on American culture. Following the webinar, a recital series titled "Black Excellence in Music" will showcase the musical traditions of Black Americans. The celebration continues with an Open House on September 21, where the public can get a behind-the-scenes look at Jubilee. The event will also feature performances from local groups such as Lowbrow Opera Collective and the Teen Vocal Studio. On October 6, Seattle Opera will celebrate Jubilee Day, marking the anniversary of the Fisk Jubilee Singers' inaugural tour in 1871. The event will feature local choirs and music ensembles, including The Sound of the Northwest and Lifted! Youth Gospel Choir, as they pay tribute to the rich tradition of choral music and reflect on the ensemble’s enduring impact. Seattle Opera is also hosting two Opera Talks, providing audiences with insights into both the creation of Jubilee and the legacy of Fisk University. The first talk, "The Making of Jubilee," will feature a conversation with Jubilee creator and director Tazewell Thompson, Artistic Ambassador Kenneth Kellogg, and General Director Christina Scheppelmann. The second talk, "The Legacy of Fisk University," will focus on Fisk University's continuing influence. What are your thoughts on Seattle Opera's efforts to honor the legacy of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and Fisk University? How do you think such initiatives can contribute to a more inclusive and diverse arts scene?

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has unveiled the first update to the city's Food Action Plan since 2012, aiming to address pressing issues such as food insecurity, high food prices, and the environmental impact of food waste. The plan emphasizes racial equity, mitigating climate change, and creating economic opportunities for local food producers while strengthening food security across the city. The updated plan is a result of a multi-year process involving over 250 leaders from small food businesses, urban farms, community organizations, Tribes, and other stakeholders. It focuses on increasing community food security, supporting locally grown and traditional foods, advancing an equitable local economy, and preventing food waste and climate pollution. The plan specifically targets disparities in food access, with households of color being twice as likely to face food insecurity compared to white households. It also focuses on supporting an equitable local economy by creating new opportunities for food producers and implementing strong labor protections. The plan's focus on racial inequities in food access is particularly noteworthy, with the city aiming to ensure that all communities, especially the most overburdened, are food secure in good times and bad through a resilient local food system. What are your thoughts on the updated Food Action Plan? How do you think it will impact the local food system and the communities it serves?

Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off the 2023 campaign season with a series of rallies in key battleground states, highlighting the importance of organized labor in securing workers' rights and benefits. Harris's speech in Pittsburgh, alongside AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, National Education Association President Becky Pringle, and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, emphasized the role of unions in establishing the 8-hour workday, pensions, paid vacations, and health care. The origins of Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday in September, can be traced back to the Haymarket Riot or Haymarket Massacre in Chicago in 1886, where workers fought for an eight-hour workday. The event resulted in the arrest and execution of eight activists, who are now remembered as martyrs for their cause. Unions continue to play a crucial role in advocating for fair wages and working conditions, and the PRO Act is a key piece of legislation that can help protect workers' rights. However, income inequality has worsened during the COVID pandemic, and the gig economy has left many workers without adequate protection. As the campaign season heats up, it's important to remember the sacrifices made by union activists in the past and the ongoing fight for workers' rights. What do you think is the most important role unions play in today's workforce?

The U.S. Department of Education is investing $179 million in grants to states to enhance academic achievement, with a particular focus on literacy development and assessment systems. This funding, part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to improve educational outcomes, could have a significant impact on Black K-12 students nationwide. The $149 million allocated to the Comprehensive Literacy State Development program aims to bridge the literacy gap and promote equity, while the $30 million Competitive Grants for State Assessments grants will help create more equitable assessment systems. The CLSD grants will support evidence-based literacy practices, while the CGSA grants will focus on developing innovative assessments that align with state academic standards and measure high-order thinking skills. The Department of Education's announcement comes as part of its Back to School Bus Tour, with Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Neera Tanden, one of President Biden's domestic policy advisors, announcing the grants. What are your thoughts on the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to improve educational outcomes for underserved communities? Do you believe these grants will be effective in bridging the literacy gap and promoting equity?

Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to face off in a high-stakes debate next week at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This will be their first in-person encounter, and both sides are preparing with their own strategies. Trump, with his extensive debate experience, is sticking to his usual method, while Harris is pivoting her preparations for the ticket leader. Harris has been advised by former Democratic rivals, including Hillary Clinton, to stay on message and not get roped in by Trump's aggressive demeanor. The debate is expected to focus on issues such as inflation, immigration, and reproductive rights. The rules of the debate are still being discussed, with the Trump campaign insisting on muting the microphones when a candidate isn't speaking, while the Harris campaign wants them turned on for the duration of the debate. The race itself has fundamentally changed, with Harris's favorability ratings higher than Trump's. This is a critical moment for both candidates, as they gear up for a debate that could determine the outcome of the election. What are your thoughts on the upcoming debate? Do you think Harris has a chance against Trump? Share your views in the comments below.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, it's crucial for Black Americans to understand the importance of their vote and the impact it can have on their community. The article "Black Vote, Black Power" highlights the need for informed and active participation in the democratic process, and the importance of supporting organizations that are already doing the work. The author encourages readers to get informed, verify information, vote, attend local government meetings, volunteer, donate, and run for office. He also emphasizes the need to support organizations that are already doing the work, and to run for office if one is not satisfied with the people in government. What steps do you think Black Americans can take to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met in the 2024 presidential election? How can we ensure that our vote counts?