Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

Seattle Awards One-Time Payments To Childcare Educators To Boost Diversity

In a continued effort to support early childhood education, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, alongside the Department of Education and Early Learning, has announced one-time payments of up to $555 for nearly 5,000 childcare educators across the city. This initiative, now in its fifth year, seeks to acknowledge and retain the dedicated professionals nurturing Seattle’s youngest residents, many of whom are women of color. 

Dr. Dwane Chappelle, director of the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning, joins today's Rhythm & News Podcast to share more about the program. Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Byrd Barr Place And Rainier Community Center Team Up For Wellness Event

Byrd Barr Place will host its inaugural Health and Wellness Fair on May 17 at the Rainier Community Center in Seattle, from 12 to 4 p.m. The event is tailored to the Black and African American community, offering complimentary health screenings, vaccinations, wellness resources, and workshops aimed at promoting comprehensive care. Wendy Armour, Director of Advancement for Byrd Barr Place, discusses the event with Christopher B. Bennett on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast.

Washington's 2025 Legislative Session Ends, Major Effects On Black Community

The 2025 legislative session in Washington State concluded with notable developments affecting the Black community, as highlighted by Ed Prince, Executive Director of the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs. In a discussion with Christopher B. Bennett on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast, Prince elaborated on the session's outcomes and their potential implications for the Black community.

Push For Black Male Educators In Seattle Schools Shows Positive Outcomes

Seattle Public Schools is tackling the critical shortage of teachers of color with a strategic focus on increasing the presence of Black men in the classroom. Through the Academy for Rising Educators, the district is implementing initiatives to cultivate teaching talent from within the community, thereby dismantling stereotypes and fostering enduring transformation. This program emphasizes professional development for teachers of color, while the district concurrently strives to establish an inclusive educational environment for all students, irrespective of race or ethnicity.

Dr. Sarah Pritchett, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Seattle Public Schools, meets with Christopher B. Bennett for this episode of the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast.

Kristi Brown's Culinary Journey Culminates In Acclaimed Family Restaurant

Kristi Brown, the esteemed owner and executive chef of Communion Restaurant & Bar, has embarked on a remarkable culinary journey spanning several years. Her dedication and passion have culminated in the establishment of a family-owned and operated restaurant, earning her numerous accolades both locally and internationally. In a recent podcast, Brown discusses the evolution of her restaurant and the experiences that have shaped her culinary path.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

4C Coalition And Seattle Cares Mentoring Movement Coordinate Event To Advocate For Gun Violence Solutions

Gun violence continues to impact communities nationwide, with Seattle being no exception. Recently, community members, leaders, and youth convened at the Northwest African American Museum for an event titled Voices for Change: A Future Without Gun Violence. Organized by Seattle Cares Mentoring Movement and the 4C Coalition, the event focused on fostering open dialogue and developing community-driven solutions to tackle the issue.

Target Faces $12 Billion Loss Amid Expanding Boycott Movement

In 2020, Target committed $2 billion to support Black communities, but has since reduced its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, prompting a nationwide boycott. Initiated by Rev. Jamal Bryant, the boycott has reportedly cost Target $12 billion. The National Newspaper Publishers Association, under Dr. Ben Chavis, urges Target to invest fully in Black-owned media. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett. 

Federal Agency For Minority Business Growth Faces Major Reductions

Under a recent executive order by President Trump, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has been drastically reduced, now operating with only three employees to fulfill its mission. Concurrently, the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, crucial for affordable housing and small business loans, is experiencing substantial cutbacks. Charlene Crowell, a prominent advocate for economic justice, cautions that these actions may adversely affect Black, Latino, and underserved communities.

Charlene Crowell, a leading voice in advocating for economic justice in America, speaks with Christopher B. Bennett about this issue in this episode of the Rhythm & News Podcast.

Private Universities Face Threats To Academic Freedom Under Trump Policies

The Trump administration has initiated an ideological offensive against America's higher education institutions, targeting private universities, DEI programs, and international students and faculty. Harvard University has resolutely defended its academic freedom, despite the risk of forfeiting over $2 billion in federal funding. Conversely, smaller private colleges and historically Black institutions may be significantly more susceptible to political encroachment.

Hazel Trice Edney, a Harvard alum and publisher of the Trice Edney News Wire, speaks with Christopher B. Bennett about this issue in this episode of the Rhythm & News Podcast.

Podcast: National Park Service Under Trump Criticized For Changing Black History Content

In a recent and troubling development under President Donald Trump's second term, the U.S. National Park Service has quietly edited and removed key content related to Black history and the horrors of slavery. This includes deleting a photo of Harriet Tubman and eliminating references to enslaved African Americans on its Underground Railroad webpage. Additionally, tributes to Jackie Robinson and the Tuskegee Airmen have been removed from Defense Department pages, and nearly 400 books, including works by Maya Angelou and Holocaust memorials, have been purged from the U.S. Naval Academy library. These actions indicate a broader pattern of rewriting or erasing history. Political analyst and commentator Opio Sokoni shares his perspectives on the issue in today's Rhythm & News podcast episode.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett