Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

The Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum returns for its 36th year on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Church by the Side of the Road and Tukwila Municipal Court. The free event, themed "Together for Justice. Together for Change," connects middle and high school students and their families with judges, attorneys, law enforcement professionals and community leaders.

The forum aims to educate young people about their legal rights and responsibilities while fostering civic responsibility and leadership skills. Podcast host Christopher B. Bennett discusses the event with Dr. Margaret Spearmon, forum coordinator, and Bobby Alexander, program co-chair, exploring its educational mission and mentorship goals.

This Rhythm & News Podcast episode shares more about the Pack the House campaign, a 10-week initiative by The Seattle Medium, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and Byrd Barr Place to support Black-owned restaurants in Seattle. The first featured business is Island Soul Rum Bar Soul Shack in Columbia City, owned by Theo Martin.

The episode traces Martin's journey from working in his father's Judkins Barbecue as a child, through a 20-year corporate career at Nordstrom, to eventually transforming the family business into Island Soul. Martin discusses the restaurant's Southern and Caribbean cuisine, challenges facing the industry, and the campaign's goal of building lasting customer relationships rather than temporary support.

This Rhythm & News Podcast episode introduces "Pack the House," a 10-week campaign launched by The Seattle Medium, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and Byrd Barr Place to encourage community support for Black-owned restaurants in the greater Seattle area, which face rising costs for food, labor, utilities, and rent.

Chris B. Bennett interviews Dr. Angela Griffin, CEO of Byrd Barr Place, and Michelle Merriweather, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, about the initiative's goals and the broader role Black-owned restaurants play in creating jobs and sustaining community connections.

Christopher B. Bennett interviews Hayward Evans, president of the Seattle King County NAACP, on this episode of the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast about an upcoming event marking the 63rd anniversary of the March on Washington. The discussion covers a free celebration and awards program organized by the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee and the NAACP.

The event, themed "Honoring the Legacy, Continuing the Mission," will include a keynote address from Rev. Dr. Kellie J. Brown, musical performances, and recognition of local leaders. The conversation explores the continued relevance of Dr. King's message and the historic 1963 march for today's community.

This Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast episode discusses reports that the Navy may remove Doris "Dorie" Miller's name from aircraft carrier CVN-81, potentially renaming it after President Trump. Miller, a Pearl Harbor hero and first Black Navy Cross recipient, was honored in 2020 as the namesake of what would be the first carrier named for a Black American and an enlisted sailor.

Retired Navy Captain Tony Barnes, who served at the White House Military Office during the September 11 attacks, discusses Miller's historical significance, the legacy of Black sailors like Admiral Samuel Gravely, and broader concerns about the treatment and recognition of Black Americans within the military.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Acts On Stage will present its Teen Summer Musical production of 'Peter Pan' at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall from August 28 to 30. This year's performance notably features three young Black actors in leading roles, continuing the nonprofit's mission to introduce generations of young people, particularly youth of color, to theater while fostering confidence, discipline, and leadership. Tickets for the upcoming show are available through the organization's website.

Isiah Anderson Jr., co-founder and artistic director of Acts on Stage, shares more information about the production.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast, hosted by Christopher B. Bennett, recently featured Shak Adebimpe, Executive Director and Market Director at Chase in Washington, to address the escalating issue of summer travel scams. The discussion focused on prevalent risks, including fraudulent vacation rentals and deceptive flight offers, aiming to provide consumers with essential guidance to protect their finances during the busy holiday season.

The CD Panthers Cheer Program and its coach, ShaVon Robinson, have been recognized in The Seattle Medium's inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Readers' Choice Awards. Robinson was named Best Female Youth Coach, while the CD Panthers received the honor of Best Youth Cheer Squad. The program is noted for its commitment to mentoring and developing young women, fostering leadership skills and confidence beyond competitive achievements. Robinson recently discussed these accolades and the team's upcoming season on the Rhythm & News Podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

VCBynum Arts and Education is set to launch its Katherine Dunham-Inspired Summer Dance Camp next week, an initiative designed to connect young participants with the influential American dancer's profound legacy. The program aims to cultivate artistic skills, build confidence, and foster a deeper appreciation for African and African American culture. Founder Vania Bynum underscores the organization's commitment to utilizing dance as a powerful tool for community building and personal development, reinforcing the arts' vital role in strengthening societal bonds.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Island Soul Restaurant in Columbia City has earned top honors in The Seattle Medium's inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Readers' Choice Awards. The establishment was recognized as the region's best bar and grill and secured the runner-up position for best live music venue. Owner Theo Martin, during a recent podcast appearance, underscored the importance of cultivating community spaces through food and culture.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.