Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

On this episode of the Seattle Medium's Rhythm News podcast host Christopher B. Bennett interviews Michelle Lang-Raymond for a segment on Black-owned coffee shops in Seattle as part of the Pack the House campaign. The episode features The Scene, a coffee shop in South Park founded over three years ago by Michelle Lang-Raymond and her husband.

The discussion centers on the shop's role in fostering community among Seattle's Black residents, who are increasingly dispersed throughout the region. Bennett introduces co-owner Michelle Lang-Raymond to discuss the shop's vision, customer experience, and participation in the Pack the House initiative.

On this episode of the Seattle Medium's Rhythm News podcast host Christopher B. Bennett interviews Antoinett Atkins, the Urban League's Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement, discussing a Constitution Day march organized by the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and coalition partners. The event, planned for the weekend surrounding the September 17 anniversary of the Constitution's signing, aims to question whether its protections have been fully realized for all citizens.

Antoinett Atkins joins to explain the march's purpose, discuss constitutional rights awareness, and outline plans to convert the demonstration into ongoing civic engagement efforts within the community.

On this episode of the Seattle Medium's Rhythm News podcast host Christopher B. Bennett interviews Chef Tay Proctor-Mills Jr., resident chef and cooperative owner of Black & Tan Hall in Seattle's Hillman City neighborhood. The restaurant is highlighted as part of the Pack the House campaign, a joint effort involving The Seattle Medium, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Byrd Barr Place and the Central Area Collaborative.

The conversation centers on Proctor-Mills' culinary background as a Central District native and Franklin High School graduate, his approach to food, and how Black & Tan Hall combines dining with music, art and community engagement. He discusses why he encourages residents to visit the establishment.

This Rhythm & News Podcast episode discusses Tabor 100's 25th annual Captains of Industry Gala, scheduled for Saturday at the Seattle Convention Center. The organization has long supported minority-owned and underserved businesses by providing access to capital, contracts, and networking opportunities. This year's event theme is "Rooted in Justice, Rising in Power."

Host Christopher B. Bennett introduces guest Darci Henderson, a member of the gala's planning committee, to discuss the event's significance, the broader work of Tabor 100, and how supporting small businesses benefits the entire community. The gala will bring together business leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and community members.

This episode of the Rhythm & News Podcast, hosted by Christopher B. Bennett, spotlights Emma's BBQ as part of the Pack the House campaign, a 10-week initiative by The Seattle Medium, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and Byrd Barr Place supporting Black-owned restaurants in the Seattle area amid rising operating costs.

The discussion features owner Tess Thomas Anderson and her granddaughter, general manager Miceala Thomas, who share the family story behind the restaurant, its multigenerational legacy, and the importance of community support in sustaining small independent businesses.

This Rhythm & News Podcast episode features host Christopher B. Bennett interviewing Anzhane Slaughter, founder of Young Black Homeowners, an organization focused on homeownership education and resources. The discussion addresses challenges such as debt, damaged credit, and limited resources that can hinder people from becoming homeowners.

Slaughter discusses the organization's mission to help prospective buyers navigate the homebuying process and develop personalized strategies for achieving homeownership. The conversation also previews an upcoming event hosted by the organization aimed at supporting attendees in building their own path toward owning a home.

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.