Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

Church By The Side Of The Road And LIHI Launch 40-Unit Tiny Home Village

The Church by the Side of the Road, in collaboration with the Low Income Housing Institute, has inaugurated CBSR Village, a 40-unit tiny home community in Tukwila. This initiative aims to offer shelter, stability, and supportive services to individuals, couples, and families experiencing homelessness. Rev. Terrence Proctor, senior pastor of the Church by the Side of the Road, elaborated on the village during an appearance on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Therapy Fund Foundation Trains Youth Mental Health Ambassadors In Washington

Young people across Washington are taking significant steps to advance mental health support within their communities, utilizing leadership, peer support, and advocacy. The Therapy Fund Foundation is at the forefront of this initiative through its Youth Mental Health Ambassador Program, which equips young individuals to aid their peers and dismantle the stigma associated with mental health, with a particular focus on Black communities. This program was highlighted on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast, featuring Ashley McGirt, founder and CEO of The Therapy Fund Foundation.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Seattle Early Learning Initiative Expands With 100 Additional Preschool Spots

The City of Seattle is enhancing early learning opportunities by expanding the Seattle Preschool Program to include approximately 2,600 seats citywide, with an additional 100 seats funded through the Family Education Preschool and PromiseLevy. This initiative, free for most families, seeks to deliver high-quality early education to children from diverse backgrounds, equipping them for future success. Enrollment for the 2026-27 academic year is currently open. 

Dr. Duane Chappell, Director of the Department of Early Learning here in the City of Seattle, and also Leilani De La Cruz, Director of Programs, join the Rhythm & News Podcast to share more information.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett. 

Bessie Coleman's Story Takes Flight In Seattle With 'Aviatrix' Musical

A new musical titled Aviatrix, penned by veteran journalist Angela Poe Russell, chronicles the inspiring journey of Bessie Coleman, the pioneering aviator who became the first Black and Native American woman to secure a pilot's license. The full production is set to premiere this spring at the Seattle Public Theatre. However, audiences can catch an exclusive preview during the Seattle Association of Black Journalists' Black Voices Matter event on March 14th at the Northwest African American Museum.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Seattle Native Ernest Walker Assumes Leadership Role At POCAAN

The People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN), a pivotal health service provider in the Pacific Northwest, has announced the appointment of Ernest Walker as its new executive director. A Seattle native and University of Washington alumnus, Walker brings extensive community ties and national nonprofit leadership experience to the position. Established in 1987 in response to the AIDS epidemic, POCAAN has evolved to play a crucial role in promoting health equity and delivering culturally responsive care to communities of color across the region.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Studies Highlight Financial Stress Impact On Mental And Physical Health

Financial stress is a pervasive issue affecting individuals' mental and physical health. Experts in the financial sector recommend actionable strategies to alleviate this burden. Key measures include pinpointing the underlying causes of financial strain, devising a feasible budget, and establishing an emergency savings fund. Incremental actions can substantially enhance financial resilience and mitigate stress.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Podcast: Hazel Trice Edney On Rev. Jesse Jackson's Life And Legacy

The Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast commemorates the legacy of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement and former presidential candidate. The episode includes insights from Hazel Trice Edney, editor-in-chief of the Trice Edney News Wire, who shares her personal and professional experiences with Rev. Jackson. Additionally, the discussion addresses the closure of the Richmond Free Press, a significant Black newspaper where Edney began her journalism career under founder Ray Boone. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Why The Loss Of Black Newspapers Matters: A Community's Voice Silenced

The closure of the Richmond Free Press, a distinguished Black newspaper, has heightened concerns regarding the precarious state of local journalism within the Black Press. For nearly two centuries, Black-owned newspapers have been pivotal in chronicling history, advocating for accountability, and safeguarding narrative power in communities frequently neglected by mainstream media. The loss of such a publication signifies the disappearance of a vital watchdog, a historical record-keeper, and a trusted community voice. The preservation of these institutions is crucial to the community's ongoing struggle for equity and representation. Dr. Toni Draper, CEO and publisher of The AFRO-American Newspapers, joins the podcast to share more.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Byrd Barr Place In Seattle Celebrates Black History With Community Science Fair

Byrd Barr Place in Seattle will host its inaugural community science fair, "Our Science Fair: Energy Conservation Matters," on February 28th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This free event will offer interactive experiments, resource tables, information on summer youth programs, and cash incentives for participants. The fair seeks to celebrate the contributions of Black innovators in science, technology, and energy, while engaging the community in educational activities. Dr. Angela Griffin, CEO of Byrd Barr Place, joins the podcast to share more.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.'s Enduring Legacy Of Activism And Political Influence

The nation is mourning the loss of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., the civil rights icon, two-time presidential candidate, founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and a global advocate for justice and human rights. He passed away at the age of 84, closing a chapter on more than half a century of activism that reshaped American politics and expanded the possibilities of Black political power. While much of his work was national and international, his impact was felt deeply here in the Pacific Northwest. Community activist Eddie Rye, Jr. reflects on Rev. Jackson’s life, his influence on the social and political fabric of the region, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.