Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

The Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast recently featured an insightful interview with Anthony Smith, a student journalist interning during this year's legislative session in Olympia. Smith has been diligently covering pivotal legislative proposals that hold the potential to significantly alter Washington's tax framework, educational policies, and food security measures. Among the notable b...

A recent report by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies indicates that Black America is already facing a recession, characterized by significant job losses and declines in housing, broadband access, federal employment, and artificial intelligence policy. The 2025 economic downturn has had a disproportionate impact on Black Americans, underscoring systemic inequities. NNPA Senior Nat...

As more Americans pursue independence in their careers, solopreneurship is emerging as a transformative force in the small business landscape. These entrepreneurs operate businesses single-handedly, relying solely on their own hustle, strategy, and vision. Whether as a side hustle or a full-time endeavor, the trend of solopreneurship is gaining momentum. Sheila Winston, business consultant with Ch...

The Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast recently featured an insightful discussion with Kiara Doyal, the lead high school sports writer for The Seattle Medium, focusing on the developments and highlights of the current high school basketball season within Seattle's Metro League. Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Judge LeRoy McCullough, a distinguished figure in the legal community, retired from the King County Superior Court on December 31, 2025, marking the end of a career characterized by fairness and a humanistic approach to justice. Throughout his tenure, Judge McCullough has championed the law as a tool for empowerment and transformation rather than punishment. His legacy includes mentoring countless...

Byrd Barr Place, an organization based in Washington, is actively addressing the challenges of displacement and housing instability faced by Black communities statewide. Through its new initiative, the "For the Record" Community Needs Assessment, the organization seeks to prioritize the lived experiences of Black individuals by documenting their narratives. This effort aims to inform policy, advoc...

Families, educators, students, and community leaders convened at Garfield High School to tackle ongoing racial disparities in academic achievement impacting Black and Brown students. Organized by Principal Tarance Hart and community advocate Chukundi Salisbury, the meeting highlighted troubling data on declining proficiency in core subjects and significant achievement gaps between Black students a...

Black consumers in the United States wield a formidable annual spending power estimated between $1.6 and $1.8 trillion, comparable to the economies of many nations. However, this substantial economic influence has not translated into equitable wealth distribution, as Black communities continue to grapple with significant wealth gaps, underinvestment, and limited ownership. The lack of scrutiny reg...

Washington lawmakers have commenced a new legislative session with significant proposals on the agenda, including a 9.9% "millionaire's tax" on incomes exceeding $1 million. Governor Bob Ferguson advocates that this tax could yield billions for education, infrastructure, and tax relief for working families. Additionally, the session will address investments in housing, transportation, education, p...

In the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast, Sheila Winston, a business consultant with Chase, provides insights into effective budgeting strategies. As financial pressures mount due to increasing costs and competing priorities, budgeting emerges as a crucial instrument for financial management. Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

In a significant move addressing the contentious debate over race and history, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland of Washington's 10th District is spearheading a bipartisan initiative to prevent the reinstatement of Confederate names on U.S. military bases. This effort comes in response to the Trump administration's indication of plans to reverse previous renaming efforts aimed at promoting diversit...

The Washington State Transportation Commission has approved the renaming of a 10-mile stretch of Benson Highway in South King County to Martin Luther King Jr. Way, following nearly two years of advocacy and public engagement. This decision reflects the legacy, resilience, and power of community action. Gwen Allen-Carston, executive director of the Kent Black Action Commission, played a pivotal rol...

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 p...

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...

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 Representat...

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...

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,...

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 Bennet...

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 busines...

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...

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...

Seattle Mayor Harrell has formally conceded the mayoral race, acknowledging his tenure characterized by crisis recovery, substantial housing investments, and initiatives to foster unity within the city. As Seattle transitions to new leadership under Mayor-elect Katie Wilson, the implications of Harrell's legacy on the city's Black community and broader societal impact will be examined. Nate Miles...

The Seattle Medium has announced its endorsements for pivotal local races in the 2025 general election, encompassing positions such as Seattle's mayor, city attorney, and city council roles. These endorsements underscore a meticulous evaluation of leadership, accountability, and the potential impact on the community. Jawann Bennett of the Bennett Media Group provides an in depth analysis of the en...

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth & Law Forum will host a free, daylong event for middle and high school students, parents, and guardians. This year's theme, "Call to Action: Your Voice, Your Power," seeks to inspire and empower youth to understand their rights, use their voices, and envision themselves as future leaders in law and justice. Scheduled for Nove...