Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

Seattle And King County Clinic To Serve Thousands With Free Healthcare

The Seattle and King County Clinic is set to offer free dental, vision, and medical services from April 23 through April 26 at Seattle Center. This four-day event will provide essential care to individuals without requiring insurance, identification, or proof of residency. A decade-long effort, the clinic has already served over 33,000 people across the region and anticipates assisting more than 3,000 patients this year. For many, particularly immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities, the clinic represents a vital lifeline for accessing basic medical care. Azmi Haroun with the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs shares more details.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Urban Connoisseurs Event In Seattle Celebrates Black Winemakers And Distillers

Urban Connoisseurs will host the Men, Wine, and Spirits Dinner in Seattle, an event designed to celebrate Black excellence within the wine and spirits industry. The dinner will showcase an array of Black winemakers and distillers, while simultaneously honoring the pioneering legacy of John June Lewis Sr., recognized as the first Black winery owner in the United States. While tickets for the current year's event are no longer available, this initiative's broader impact extends beyond a single evening, aiming to foster increased space, opportunity, and visibility for Black professionals within the wine and spirits sector.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Veteran Seattle Detective Secures $750,000 Settlement In Discrimination Claim

Detective Denise "Cookie" Bouldin, a trusted figure in Seattle law enforcement and a bridge between the police department and communities of color, has reached a $750,000 settlement with the City of Seattle following allegations of decades of racial and gender discrimination within the Seattle Police Department. While the settlement legally closes the case, her attorney, James Bible, asserts it does not fully reflect the scope of her experiences during over 40 years of service.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Community Advocate Deaunte Damper Named Seattle Pride Grand Marshal

Community advocate Deaunte Damper has been named a grand marshal for the 2026 Seattle Pride Parade, an honor recognizing his impactful work at the intersection of Black identity, public health, and LGBTQ advocacy. This development aligns with Seattle Pride 2026's theme, "Rally," which underscores unity, visibility, and collective action in response to increasing challenges faced by LGBTQIA2S+ communities.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Financial Communication Crucial For Couples' Long-Term Success, Experts State

Experts assert that financial communication is paramount for the long-term success of relationships. Couples are advised to engage in open and honest discussions concerning shared expenses, debt, long-term objectives, and financial values. This collaborative financial planning is essential for shaping both daily life and future prospects.

On the Rhythm & News Podcast to talk about how couples can build a strong financial foundation and avoid some of the most common pitfalls is Quincy Crawford with Chase.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

States Challenge HUD Efforts To Weaken Fair Housing Protections

A coalition of 15 state attorneys general and the District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), challenging efforts to roll back key fair housing protections, including the critical use of 'disparate impact.' Advocates warn that weakening these safeguards could impede accountability for discriminatory practices and exacerbate housing discrimination, particularly as access to affordable housing remains a significant national concern. 

On the Rhythm & News Podcast to talk about this issue is Charlene Crowell, a longtime advocate and expert on economic justice.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Upcoming iUrban Teen Illuminating Futures Gala Supports Youth STEM Careers And Achievement

iUrban Teen is set to host its Illuminating Futures: Seattle Gala 2026 on Saturday, April 4, at Block 41. The event serves as a crucial fundraiser, supporting programs designed to equip young individuals with skills for careers in STEM, leadership, and innovation. The gala will feature a performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Howard Hewett and a distinctive "Sneaker Balling" experience, blending formal elegance with individual expression. Deena Pierott, founder of iUrban Teen, shares more about the event.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Washington's Covenant Homeownership Program Addresses Racial Homeownership Gap

Washington state's Covenant Homeownership Program, a pioneering initiative, aims to rectify historical systemic exclusion of Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color from homeownership. Championed by State Representative Jamila Taylor, the program offers crucial down payment and closing cost assistance, enabling hundreds of families to achieve homeownership and build generational wealth. However, the program's expansion now faces federal scrutiny, prompting critical discussions on equity, policy, and the nation's approach to addressing discriminatory legacies. Representative Jamila Taylor, the architect of the Covenant Homeownership legislation, shares what's at stake moving forward.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Seattle Native Kyla Marks Becomes First Miss Meharry From Washington State

Seattle native Kyla Marks, a fourth-year dental student at Meharry Medical College, has been crowned Miss Meharry, becoming the first student from Washington state to earn the title. This historic achievement reflects her journey rooted in resilience, representation, and a deep commitment to serving underserved communities through healthcare.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Church By The Side Of The Road And LIHI Launch 40-Unit Tiny Home Village

The Church by the Side of the Road, in collaboration with the Low Income Housing Institute, has inaugurated CBSR Village, a 40-unit tiny home community in Tukwila. This initiative aims to offer shelter, stability, and supportive services to individuals, couples, and families experiencing homelessness. Rev. Terrence Proctor, senior pastor of the Church by the Side of the Road, elaborated on the village during an appearance on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.