Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

Cierra Sisters, a nonprofit dedicated to educating, empowering, and uplifting Black women and women of color affected by breast cancer, is set to host a Sip & Pour Brunch event this Sunday. The event will feature a custom candle pour and a curated brunch, designed to support the organization's life-saving work within the community. Dee Dee Scott of the Cierra Sisters joins the Rhythm & New...

The prolonged federal government shutdown is exerting financial pressure on millions of retirees nationwide, as delays in Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments and increased Medicare Part B premiums take their toll. Financial analyst Charlene Crowell highlights that these developments could significantly impact the 22 million Americans who depend exclusively on Social Security for their incom...

Erika Evans, a former federal and city prosecutor, is campaigning for the position of City Attorney in Seattle with a commitment to restoring fairness, rebuilding trust, and ensuring justice for all. Her platform emphasizes the importance of balance, compassion, and community within the City Attorney's Office. Evans, who carries a family legacy of civil rights and public service, has received an e...

Seattle natives Mary Wideman-Williams and her daughter Marquinta Obomanu have inaugurated SistahBoss, a leadership initiative dedicated to empowering Black women through connection, growth, and mutual support. The organization offers mentorship, coaching, and workshops designed to enhance leadership skills while affirming identity and shared experiences. SistahBoss is at the forefront of redefinin...

The Seattle Public Library has launched an initiative to provide free, drop-in tutoring and study support for K-12 students at nine branches citywide through its Homework Help program. This effort seeks to address the challenges of accessing affordable academic support, particularly in the wake of pandemic-related disruptions. Elisa Murray, Communications Strategist for The Seattle Public Library,...

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) faces allegations of undermining fair housing protections, a foundational element of civil rights for nearly sixty years. Whistleblower complaints and congressional investigations have highlighted concerns regarding potential erosion of these safeguards. Charlene Crowell will address this pressing issue on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News...

Byrd Barr Place, one of Seattle's oldest and most trusted community organizations, is organizing a Candidates Forum aimed at empowering residents to engage directly with electoral candidates. This initiative provides a platform for voters to pose questions and gain insights into the candidates' positions on critical issues affecting their daily lives. The forum represents a broader movement by com...

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and support, particularly among Black women who face significant disparities in health outcomes. Despite progress in treatment and awareness, Black women are diagnosed with more aggressive breast cancer at younger ages and have a nearly 40% higher mortality rate compared to their white counterparts. Publi...

As Week 5 of the Metro League football season approaches, the competition is intensifying with several compelling narratives emerging. Among the highlights are O'Dea's esteemed Coach Monte Kohler, Ballard's exceptional quarterback Elli Gebbie, and the remarkable recoveries of athletes at Rainier Beach. Additionally, the impactful leadership of newly appointed coaches at Roosevelt and Franklin has...

The deployment of the National Guard into U.S. cities under President Donald Trump has ignited significant controversy, leading to protests, legal challenges, and concerns over potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits military involvement in civilian law enforcement. Seattle is preparing for the potential arrival of federal troops, despite local officials highlighting a dec...

For nearly two centuries, the Black Press has served as a trusted voice for Black America, chronicling stories and speaking truth to power. As it nears its 200th anniversary, its continued existence hinges on collective support. Attorney Ben Crump has pledged $50,000 to the Black Press, urging others to follow suit. Hazel Trice Edney, Editor-in-Chief of the Trice Edney News Wire, underscores the c...

Governor Lisa Cook, the first Black woman appointed to the Federal Reserve in its 113-year history, faces a contentious removal effort that has ignited national debate. President Trump has declared his intention to dismiss her, and the Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation, despite the absence of documented misconduct. This controversy underscores the critical need for diverse r...

Byrd Barr Place is set to host its second annual fundraising gala, Legacy in Motion: Resistance Through Reclamation, on September 27 at the Hyatt Regency in Seattle. The event will convene community leaders, advocates, and supporters for an evening dedicated to celebration and reflection. Dr. Angela Griffin, president and CEO of Byrd Barr Place, will address attendees about the significance of the...

Pastor Demetrius Devers of Greater Mt. Baker Baptist Church, alongside First Lady Cristi Devers, is set to mark his second pastoral anniversary this Sunday. The event, which celebrates his leadership and service, welcomes the community to join in the commemoration. Interview By Chris B. Bennett.

Seattle Municipal Court will hold its annual Community Resource Day on September 12th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rainier Community Center. This initiative seeks to unite the court with local service providers to assist residents in resolving issues like warrants and tickets, while offering access to essential services such as housing, healthcare, employment, and education. Victoria Moreland wi...

Black entrepreneurship is marked by resilience and vision but is hindered by systemic barriers, including limited access to capital and isolation. Many Black-owned businesses remain sole proprietorships, lacking the resources and support necessary for growth. Pamela J. Oakes, Owner and Managing Director of The Profitable Nonprofit, addresses these challenges, their significance, and potential solu...

The resumption of student loan repayments and credit reporting has led to a significant decline in credit scores for over 2 million borrowers, impacting their capacity to purchase vehicles, secure housing, and more. This financial burden disproportionately affects older borrowers and communities of color, particularly Black and Latino families who are already contending with existing wealth dispar...

Jaebadiah Gardner, founder and CEO of Gardner Global, is spearheading a multimillion-dollar real estate initiative known as The Sarah Queen, set to rise in Seattle's Central District, a neighborhood of profound cultural and historical importance to the Black community. Gardner's professional journey, marked by determination and vision, spans from construction work to earning a law degree, culminat...

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has been mandated to disburse nearly $32 million in previously sanctioned funds to private fair housing organizations, which manage the majority of fair housing complaints filed across the nation. Despite the Fair Housing Act being enacted over five decades ago, housing discrimination persists, with 2022 witnessing a record 33,000 complaints. Th...

Seattle basketball icons Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton are set to reunite at the Kent YMCA for the Community in the Unity Back to School Fair on August 17. Scheduled from 1 to 6 p.m., the event invites youth 18 and under to participate in a day of sports, music, and resources. A highlight of the fair is the "Battle on the Blacktop," a 3-on-3 basketball competition where Kemp and Payton will lend thei...

The Odessa Brown Children's Clinic is set to celebrate the grand opening of its new Central District location on August 9, featuring live music, games, arts and crafts, giveaways, community resources, and a vaccine clinic. This event signifies a return to the neighborhood where the clinic first established its roots over 50 years ago. Dr. Shaquita Bell, Senior Medical Director at OBCC, and Christi...

When engaging in transactions with unfamiliar sellers, it is imperative to comprehend the risks and safeguards associated with various payment methods. Checks, credit cards, wire transfers, and person-to-person apps each present distinct vulnerabilities and protections. Quincy Crawford, Branch Manager at Chase Bank in Seattle, highlights prevalent payment scams such as counterfeit cashier's checks...

Sydney Goitia-Doran, a rising junior at Howard University, recently concluded an internship with the Seattle Medium newspaper, where she engaged in reporting community-focused news and integrated into the editorial team. Her experience included discussions on the significance and influence of journalism, particularly within the context of the Black Press.    Interview by Chris B. Bennett

Kyla Marks is poised to achieve her goal of becoming a dentist by age 25, graduating without debt thanks to securing over $700,000 in scholarships for her undergraduate and dental education. Her journey underscores the significance of determination and community support in overcoming financial barriers to higher education. The Seattle Medium's Summer Intern Sydney Goitia-Doran has the story. Inter...

The United Negro College Fund's Portfolio Project is a pivotal initiative aimed at empowering African American high school students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. By providing essential tools, resources, and mentorship, the program facilitates these students' successful navigation of the college application process, specifically targeting 11th and 12th graders in their pursuit o...