Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

This podcast episode of the Seattle Medium's Rhythm News features host Christopher B. Bennett introducing Steve Banks, executive director of the Central Area Collaborative, an organization supporting small businesses and equitable economic development in Seattle's Central District. The discussion centers on CAC's mission and its decision to join Pack the House as the campaign's newest community partner.

The episode notes that Pack the House, now in its fourth week, has already featured three businesses—Island Soul, Emma's BBQ and Black Tan Hall—each reporting increased customer activity and visibility. The campaign, which also partners with the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and Byrd Barr Place, encourages the public to show up, spend money, and return to support local businesses.

A Seattle Medium Rhythm News Podcast episode features Lillian Rambus and Barbara Collins, co-owners of Simply Soulful Cafe, discussing their restaurant's operations and family traditions. Simply Soulful is highlighted as the featured business in the Pack the House campaign, a 10-week initiative by The Seattle Medium and partner organizations promoting sustained support for Black-owned restaurants.

The conversation covers the daily demands of running an independent restaurant, including staffing, bookkeeping, and food preparation, as well as the personal history behind the business. The episode also explains what participation in the Pack the House campaign means for the cafe's continued success.

This podcast episode introduces Seattle's Black Butterfly Awards, an event honoring Black women who have contributed to the city's community through education, healthcare, mentorship, and advocacy, often without public recognition. Created by Charles Tatum Jr. and Carl Copeland, the event will take place Saturday, September 26, at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute.

The episode features an interview with co-founder Carl Copeland discussing the awards' history and purpose. This year's ceremony will present Lifetime Achievement Awards to Gertrude Peoples, Charlotte Grady, and Attorney Barbara Laners, alongside dinner, music, and community celebration from 3 to 7 p.m.

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.