The Seattle Chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc. is inviting applications for their 2025 scholarship awards. Ramona Bardwell, Vice President of the Seattle Chapter and President of the Seattle Girls Empowerment Fund, speaks with Christopher B. Bennett on the Rhythm & News Podcast to discuss the organization and the scholarship process.

As MLK Weekend approaches, Dr. Carl Mack, former president of the Seattle King County NAACP, joins Christopher B. Bennett to discuss the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and the ongoing pursuit of freedom, justice, and equality in America. The discussion is timely, as the world faces uncertainty and many people view the weekend as a time for reflection and action.

The Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast covers the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, featuring workshops, a gun violence panel, a youth leaders discussion, an opportunity fair, and the annual March and Rally at Garfield High School. The podcast includes Clifton Wyatt of the Martin Luther King Coalition, who provides details and insights about this year's events.

Dr. Quinton Morris, an esteemed violinist and educator, established Key to Change in 2017 to create transformative opportunities for students in South King County. The nonprofit's goal is to deliver exceptional music education and mentorship to underserved communities, fostering a new generation of musicians while honoring the legacy of Black excellence in classical music.

A wave of closures among Black-owned businesses in Seattle is being attributed to economic pressures, rising operational costs, and gentrification. The impact of these closures on the Black community is significant, as these businesses are vital cultural and economic institutions. Dr. Carl Mack, former Seattle NAACP President, discusses the importance of supporting Black businesses and what can be done to preserve these institutions.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Seattle Medium is conducting a holiday giveaway titled Samples of the Sound, featuring daily prizes and a grand prize of $1,000 in gift cards and a new Apple iPad. This initiative seeks to support local Black-owned businesses and aligns with the Seattle Medium's mission to enhance the holiday season. Digital and social media manager Josiah Scott appears on the podcast to discuss the giveaway and its anticipated impact.

Rhythm & News Podcast interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Ms. Helen's Bistro, a cherished establishment in Seattle's Central District for over five decades, is reopening in South King County, preserving the rich heritage and culinary tradition of this renowned restaurant. The new location is spearheaded by Jesdarnel "Ms. Squirrt" Henton, who is also involved in the Seattle Medium's Samples of the Sound Holiday Giveaway. Ms. Henton is upholding her mother's legacy, continuing to serve as a center of community, culture, and resilience in Seattle.

Rhythm & News Podcast interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Rhythm & News Podcast interview with the Washington Health Benefit Exchange's Chief of Equity and Community Partnerships, Manny Santiago, discussing open enrollment for affordable health and dental coverage. Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Simply Soulful Café is offering complimentary meals to individuals in need on Christmas Day and is participating in The Seattle Medium's Samples of the Sound holiday giveaway, distributing up to $1,000 in gift cards to local dining establishments. Lillian Rambus, proprietor of Simply Soulful Café, appeared on the Rhythm & News Podcast to elaborate on these initiatives and the ethos of generosity.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Black homeownership has been pivotal in wealth accumulation in the United States, yet discriminatory home appraisals have deprived African American families of $150 billion in equity, exacerbating the racial wealth gap and obstructing generational wealth. Charlene Crowell, a journalist, appears on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast to discuss her article on this matter.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.