Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

In a historic move, Rhonda Lewis has been appointed to represent District 2 on the King County Council, marking her as the first Black woman to serve in this capacity. Her appointment signifies a pivotal shift, as women now constitute the majority of the nine-member council for the first time in the county's history. Lewis's presence on the council is expected to introduce fresh perspectives and priorities, underscoring the evolving dynamics of local governance. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Seattle King County NAACP's readiness to progress is under scrutiny as Dr. Carl Mack, its former president, returns to the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast. Last week's discussion raised questions about the branch's future trajectory, suggesting potential challenges. This morning's dialogue seeks to explore these concerns further, providing clarity on the branch's capacity to advance.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Douglass-Truth Branch of the Seattle Public Library, named in honor of abolitionists Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth, commemorates its 50th anniversary with a community celebration on December 13.

Elisa Murray from the Seattle Public Library shares more information on the historical significance of the branch's name change and the planned festivities.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Washington State Department of Commerce has appointed Truclusion as the consulting firm to lead the state's inaugural reparations study for descendants of enslaved Africans. This decision has prompted scrutiny from community leaders regarding the firm's credentials, its connection to Washington's Black community, and the transparency of the state's procurement process.

Former State Representative Jesse Wineberry, a key advocate for the reparations legislation, is addresses these concerns on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Seattle–King County NAACP, recognized as the oldest NAACP branch west of the Mississippi, has resumed full operations following the national office's decision to lift the suspension on local elections. This development comes after an internal review addressed database anomalies from the branch's 2024 elections. Dr. Carl Mack, former president of the Seattle–King County NAACP, elaborated on the matter during an appearance on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

As the holiday season unfolds, the threat of scams looms large, with fraudsters employing increasingly sophisticated tactics. Last year, nearly one-third of Americans were ensnared by online holiday scams, resulting in losses exceeding $302 million for Washington state consumers alone. To safeguard their finances and avert falling prey to such schemes, individuals are advised to exercise caution, particularly regarding deceptive travel websites and fraudulent package delivery notifications.

Quincy Crawford, Branch Manager at Chase Bank, talks about how people can help protect their money and avoid falling victim to holiday scams.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Seattle Medium and Bennett Media Group are set to host their annual food drive this Saturday, a community initiative designed to assist families facing economic hardship. Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2600 South Jackson Street, the event is bolstered by the support of partners such as KRIZ, KYIZ, KBMS, the Bible Law Group, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, among others.

Jawaan Bennett joins the Rhythm & News Podcast to share more information about the food drive. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The King County Council has approved a $20 billion biennial budget for 2026-27, featuring historic investments to uplift Black communities across the region. Outgoing Councilmember De'Sean Quinn, who was instrumental in the budget's passage, discusses its impact on the Black community in the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast. The budget allocates funds for housing stability, small business development, civic involvement, youth services, and reparative actions, addressing the county's longstanding discriminatory policies.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Kent Black Action Commission (KBAC) is spearheading a petition to rename nearly 10 miles of Benson Highway through Renton, Kent, and parts of unincorporated King County with honorary signage bearing Dr. King’s name. With support from State Representative Mia Gregerson and coordination from the Washington State Department of Transportation, this effort aims to extend Martin Luther King Jr. Way from Seattle deeper into South King County—without impacting existing addresses or road names. The initiative invites community involvement through petition signing and engagement with local representatives, underscoring the importance of honoring Dr. King’s legacy in the region.

Executive Director Gwen Allen-Carsten joins us to share more about this movement, its significance, and how the community can get involved.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Black Members Caucus convened a town hall at Highline College to address the political, economic, and social challenges confronting Black Washingtonians. This gathering served as a rallying cry for action amid escalating threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts nationwide, particularly with the 2024 election on the horizon. Paula Sardinas of the Washington Build Back Black Alliance joined the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast to discuss the event's significance.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.