Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

Podcast: Brenda Miller's Culinary Journey: From Boeing To Velvet's Big Easy With Chase's Coaching for Impact Program

Brenda Miller, owner of Velvet's Big Easy in Tacoma, transitioned from a successful career at Boeing to pursue her culinary passion. With the support of Chase's Coaching for Impact Program, Miller received mentorship and hands-on assistance from Sheila Winston, Vice President and Certified Senior Business Consultant at Chase Bank. This guidance helped Miller transform her business from a food truck and catering service into a thriving brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

King County Young Women Urged To Apply For Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Scholarships

The Rho Lambda Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority is offering scholarships to young women in King County aiming to advance their college education. With the application deadline approaching, the organization is committed to supporting these aspiring scholars. Rachel Steward, the sorority's president, will provide insights into the organization and the scholarship on the Rhythm & News podcast.

Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones Announces Departure

Dr. Brent Jones, Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, has announced he will step down from his role on September 3, 2025. A Seattle native and Franklin High School graduate, Dr. Jones has led the district through significant challenges, including financial instability and the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure saw accelerated academic growth, strengthened mental health services, secured major voter support for education levies, and the launch of innovative programs. Dr. Jones will be remembered for his dedication to equity reforms and his impactful leadership in shaping the district's future.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Real Consequences Of Donald Trump's Attacks on the DOE and CFPB

Rhythm & News Podcast interview with national columnist Charlene Crowell discussing Donald Trump's recent attacks on the Department of Education and the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau and the effects this will have on the economy and Black borrowers.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Trump Administration Removes BLM Plaza Amid Rollback Of Racial Justice Efforts

The removal of Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House is raising significant concerns about the trajectory of civil rights under Trump's second term. The mural, once a potent symbol of resistance against police brutality and systemic racism, has been eradicated amidst escalating conservative opposition to racial equity, Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs, and local government autonomy in Washington, D.C.

Political analyst Opio Sokoni joins the discussion to examine the implications of the mural's removal, the broader backlash against racial justice initiatives, and the potential threats to Black political and economic power under Trump's agenda.

Interview By Chris B. Bennett.

Rainier Beach HS Basketball Team Wins 10th State Title With Coach Mike Bethea

Coach Mike Bethea has solidified Rainier Beach High School's legacy in Washington high school basketball by leading the Vikings to 10 state championships. His tenure has seen numerous former players advance to the NBA, notably All-Star and Seattle basketball icon Jamal Crawford. In a significant development this year, Crawford has returned to his alma mater to serve as an assistant coach alongside Bethea.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

JPMorgan Chase Survey Indicates Optimism Among Black-Owned Small Businesses

Black-owned small businesses in the United States are demonstrating a strong sense of optimism about the economy, as revealed by the JPMorgan Chase 2025 Business Leaders Outlook Survey. Entrepreneurs express confidence in their industry's performance, access to funding, and potential for growth, despite facing significant challenges such as inflation, cybersecurity risks, and talent shortages. Sheila Winston, Chase Vice President and Certified Senior Business Consultant, discusses the current state of black-owned small businesses and the strategies these entrepreneurs are employing to thrive.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Resistance Grows As Civil Rights Leaders Challenge Trump's Anti-Woke Agenda

Civil rights leaders and activists are mounting a robust resistance against Donald Trump's anti-woke agenda and proposed budget cuts, which threaten to impact Black communities significantly. The backlash encompasses economic boycotts, legal challenges, and grassroots mobilization aimed at safeguarding DEI programs and ensuring the future of economic and social justice in America. The proposed budget cuts by Trump could have devastating effects on Black communities, and the resistance is gaining momentum.

The Seattle Medium interviews political commentator Opio Sokoni to discuss what’s at stake for the future of economic and social justice in America.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Civil Rights Leaders Advocate For Economic Boycott To Safeguard DEI Programs

President Donald Trump's executive action to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government has ignited a movement spearheaded by civil rights leaders, including former Seattle NAACP President Dr. Carl Mack. Companies such as Target have begun phasing out their DEI initiatives, raising significant concerns about the future of racial equity in both public and private sectors. Dr. Mack joins the discussion to address this growing movement and its potential impact.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett. 

Target Faces Lawsuits And Boycotts Over Reduced DEI Initiatives

Target Corporation, once hailed as a leader in corporate diversity, is now facing a firestorm from both conservative groups and civil rights organizations. Following its decision to scale back DEI initiatives, Target is being sued by right-wing groups while also facing boycotts from civil rights advocates who say the company has abandoned its commitments to diversity.