Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

A 4 Apple Family Learning Center has been honored at The Seattle Medium's inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Readers' Choice Awards, recognizing its three decades of providing culturally responsive early childhood education and support. The organization was awarded Best Educational Support Program and achieved runner-up status for Best Youth Organization – Non-Athletic, highlighting its sustained commitment to fostering children's development and community success. Appollonia Washington, CEO and co-owner of A 4 Apple Family Learning Center, joins the Rhythm & News Podcast. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Tabor 100 is set to host its Small Business Showcase this weekend, with Jason Tran representing the organization, to empower local entrepreneurs. The event aims to strengthen the community by facilitating networking and introducing business owners to residents, thereby fostering business growth. This initiative underscores the critical role small businesses play as the backbone of the local economy.  Jason Tran of Tabor 100, joins the Rhythm & News Podcast. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Byrd Barr Place has transferred its First Right of Refusal for the historic Liberty Bank Building to Africatown Community Land Trust, fulfilling a commitment first envisioned nearly a decade ago. This agreement strengthens the long-term goal of community ownership and preserves the building's legacy as a symbol of Black entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, and community investment in Seattle's Central District. Wyking Garrett, President and CEO of Africatown Community Land Trust, joins the Rhythm & News Podcast. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Dr. Angela Griffin, CEO of Byrd Barr Place, has been honored as Best CEO/Executive Director in the nonprofit category at The Seattle Medium's inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Readers' Choice Awards. Byrd Barr Place, a vital cornerstone of Seattle's Black community for over six decades, also earned recognition as Best Community Advocate in Education and was named runner-up for Best Non-Profit Organization. The accolades underscore the organization's enduring commitment to providing essential services and fostering stronger, healthier, and more financially secure lives for families.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Nicole Camp, founder and winemaker of LaShellé Wines, has been honored as Best Black Winemaker in The Seattle Medium's inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Readers' Choice Awards. Her Woodinville-based LaShellé Wines, which began as a backyard experiment, has grown into an award-winning boutique winery. Notably, it is one of Washington state's few Black woman-owned wineries, signifying a significant milestone in regional entrepreneurship and craftsmanship.

Interview By Chris B. Bennett.

Rainier Beach High School is nearing the completion of its extensive rebuild, marking a new era for the institution. After six years of meticulous planning and construction, the modern campus will feature enhanced classrooms, expanded athletic facilities, and a state-of-the-art performing arts center. Lydig Construction served as the general contractor, transforming the community's vision for this significant Southeast Seattle landmark into reality.

Patrick McGlothlin, Senior Project Manager with Lydig Construction, joins the Rhythm & News podcast to talk about the journey behind the rebuild and what this milestone means for Rainier Beach and the surrounding community.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Byrd Barr Place is set to host its third annual Community Block Party this Saturday in Seattle's historic Central District. The complimentary event aims to foster community cohesion, uniting longtime residents, new neighbors, families, and local businesses to celebrate the area's rich history, culture, and resilience. Attendees can expect live entertainment, local vendors, children's activities, community resources, free food, and a backpack giveaway, with organizers emphasizing the event's role in facilitating reconnection and building upon the Central District's enduring legacy.

Rosie Grant with Byrd Barr Place joins the Rhythm & News podcast to tell us more about this year's celebration.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett. 

The Washington State Commission on African American Affairs has launched a new survey, "Black Men in the Public Sector Workforce: Experience. Barriers. Solutions.," to comprehensively document the professional experiences of African American men in government, education, public service, and the nonprofit sector. This initiative addresses a critical lack of research on their workplace realities, barriers, and necessary support, with the gathered information poised to inform future policy recommendations and cultivate more equitable professional environments.

Ed Prince, Executive Director of the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs joins the Rhythm & News podcast to talk about the survey and its purpose.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The federal government's Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment plan for federal student loans has concluded, impacting over seven million borrowers. These individuals now face a September 29 deadline to select a new repayment option, or they will be automatically placed into a standard repayment plan. Consumer advocates warn that this transition could result in higher monthly payments for many, creating additional financial strain for families already grappling with the rising cost of living.

Charlene Crowell, a longtime advocate for consumers and economic justice joins the Rhythm & News podcast to tell us more.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Former NBA star Brandon Roy has been reinstated as head coach of Garfield High School's boys basketball team, following his clearance by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) of prior recruiting violation allegations. The WIAA's investigation, which concluded in May 2026, found all evidence to be unsubstantiated, paving the way for Roy's return to his alma mater. His reinstatement underscores a commitment to student well-being and addresses the complexities of high school athletics, with Seattle Public Schools acknowledging the need for improved support structures for coaches.

Kiara Doyal, staff writer and head highschool sports writer for the Seattle Medium, shares more information.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.