CD Forum for Arts & Ideas

There was something truly special in the air at McCaw Hall as the Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas celebrated an incredible milestone — 25 years of uplifting Black brilliance across Seattle. Back 2 BESA guest host DeAunte Damper was in the building for “Food is Art: Black in Time,” a stunning benefit that honored CD Forum’s legacy by blending flavor, culture, and creativity all under one roof. The evening was a full-circle moment — not just a fundraiser, but a love letter to the chefs, mixologists, and culinary artists who are reimagining what Black excellence looks, feels, and tastes like. Every bite told a story. And in classic CD Forum fashion, it wasn’t just about the food — it was about platforming Black and BIPOC creatives whose work reflects both heritage and innovation. Founded in 1999, CD Forum has spent the past two and a half decades creating space for Black artists in the Pacific Northwest to be seen, heard, and celebrated — through performance, visual art, storytelling, and events like this one. Whether uplifting queer voices, local visionaries, or national talent, their commitment to building authentic, inclusive programming continues to shape Seattle’s cultural landscape in meaningful, lasting ways. As DeAunte shared, the night was unforgettable. Great food, beautiful energy, and a clear reminder of just how vital CD Forum’s work is — yesterday, today, and for generations to come. 📺 Catch Back 2 BESA this Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle, replay Sunday at 10 a.m. on FOX 13+, and stream FREE nationwide on the FOX Local app.

Before the world shows up, we gather. This June, LANGSTON and Black Arrow FC (@blackarrow_fc ) invite Seattle into a celebration of football, Black culture, and the global diaspora through the shared language of the beautiful game. Can I Kick It? Black Brilliance in Motion ⚽ 104 17th Ave S. Seattle, WA 98144 Sunday, June 7 1–6 PM Free + All Ages Expect music, storytelling, food, youth activities, community gathering, and a multimedia conversation exploring the Black cultural roots and global impact of football. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply curious about the energy surrounding the World Cup, this event is for you. RSVP now via the link in bio. Interested in volunteering? Visit langstonseattle.org and navigate to “Get Involved.” Presented in partnership with: City of Seattle Office of Arts & Culture @seaofficeofarts CD Forum for Arts and Ideas @cdforum Sponsored by: Sound Transit @soundtransit King County Metro @kcmetrobus #CanIKickIt #BlackBrilliance #SeattleWorldCup #Juneteenth #BlackCulture

Are you ready to carry👀 Come out to Hold That Pose for Me🏆 Brought to you by @swace.seattle and @cdforum Come engage with community, practice your category, or access community resources from 6PM-9PM at Langston Hughes Performing Art Institute on 5.13.26 DM us if you have any questions 🫶🏼

Join us for the Community Soul Feeding May 3rd from 1-3pm. It’s free for all! Free food, and much more! Taco Bar • BigDawgs Hotdogs • Cell Phones • Nacho Bar • All the Sides • Hygiene Packs • Taco Salads • Desserts • And More! • Burritos • Beverages • Rice & Beans • Chips • Corn • Hair Cuts & live performances.

Ready to join Seattle Black Film Festival, but still deciding what tickets or passes to buy? Swipe through to see your options! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Seattle Black Film Festival 2026 is from April 30 to May 3. Visit sbff26.eventive.org (it’s in our bio) to be part of The Sound of Us. 🎺🎥 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ SBFF is presented by LANGSTON (@206langston ), a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to strengthen and advance our community through Black arts and culture. 💜 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In partnership with @seaofficeofarts With support from @kc4culture @seattle_neighborhoods ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #SeattleFilms #SeattleBlackFilmFest #BlackMovies #SBFF2026

LAST CALL! @206langston is looking for volunteers to make this year’s Seattle Black Film Festival an unforgettable experience! From April 30 to May 3, those 18 or older who are committed to strengthening and advancing the Black community can apply for a fantastic opportunity to engage with the community, support diverse filmmakers, and enjoy an array of inspiring films. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Applications are due TODAY Thursday, April 23. Visit langstonseattle.org/sbff or our bio to learn more and sign up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ SBFF 2026, from April 30 to May 3, is presented by LANGSTON, a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to strengthen and advance our community through Black arts and culture. 💜 With support from @seaofficeofarts @kc4culture and @seattle_neighborhoods Onscreen text: Seattle Black Film Fest Volunteer Call. Support SBFF: April 30 to May 3. Who Can Volunteer? Anyone 18 or older who’s committed to strengthening and advancing the Black community. Why Volunteer? - Gain behind-the-scenes experience in the film festival industry. Meet passionate individuals and network with filmmakers and attendees - Receive a festival t-shirt and access to select screenings. Guaranteed one (1) ticket to a screening of your choice. - Be part of an empowering celebration of Black culture and storytelling! Will There Be Orientation? There will be three (3) orientation dates: April 26, 28, and 29. Volunteers will only need to attend one. Learn more and sign up: langstonseattle.org/sbff #SeattleFilms #SeattleBlackFilmFest #BlackMovies #volunteeropportunities #SBFF2026

We are thrilled to partner with @206langston for their 2026 Seattle Black Film Festival! You will not want to miss this, and tickets are still on sale!! We’re especially thrilled to be bringing New Orleans-based, multidisciplinary artist, Jalisa Danielle and her film “Daughter of a Nymph Divine” which will screen on May 1st at 7:45 pm and available online for streaming May 4th - May 10th 11:59 PST. We will also be hosting a talkback with Jalisa herself after the film screening so come check us out! About Jalisa: “I come from people who live by the water. New Orleans. Guyana. Ghana. I come from abundance and familial protection, summers full of morning tea turning into pantries of herbs and folk remedies. I use words and movement to explore the body as a sensual site of transformative healing. My work serves as testimony and activation. I am a writer, educator, performing artist, and choreographer. I bring 30+ years of dance and movement training, degrees in Black Studies and Dance Composition, undefined ancestral intuitive practices, and more than 5 years of studying Afro-Diasporic herbal and traditional care practices. I bring Reiki and Sex Doula certifications, and a growing understanding of how movement can aid in our healing journeys. With a wide range of experiences, I explore how all of these different artistic interests live in one body and influence each other. “ 🔗 to Seattle Black Film Festival in bio!

This year’s Seattle Black Film Festival lineup consists of over 38 films from across the African diaspora, including several narrative features! Swipe through to see the featured-length movies within The Sound of Us. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Special shoutout and thank you to @sync.seattle for providing headphones for the immersive Daughter of a Nymph Divine experience! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Join us in celebrating storytelling and Black brilliance on the big screen at SBFF 2026 from April 30 to May 3. Learn more and get your tickets and passes at langstonseattle.org/sbff. SBFF 2026, from April 30 to May 3, is presented by LANGSTON, a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to strengthen and advance our community through Black arts and culture. 💜 With support from @seaofficeofarts @kc4culture and @seattle_neighborhoods ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Seattle Black Film Festival’s Featured films: • TCB - The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing - April 30 at 6:45 PM • All I’ve Got And Then Some - April 30 at 2:30 PM - @allivegotandthensome • Cellar George - May 1 at 11 AM Cycle (Stylized as CYCLE) - May 1 at 1:30 PM - @cyclemovie • Daughter of a Nymph Divine - May 1 at 7:15 PM • Meta Take One - May 1 at 9:30 PM @metatakeonefilm • Deliver Us - May 2 at 5 PM • How to Build a Library - May 3 at 7:15 PM ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #SeattleFilms #SeattleBlackFilmFest #BlackMovies #SBFF2026

🌈When Two Worlds Collide⚽️ In celebration of Seattle Pride and the FIFA World Cup 2026, we decided to give back to community that generously supported us for over 4 Years. Thank you so much for the memories and continuing to represent Seattle ballroom community all over🫶🏽 @julianeverett in partnership with @seattlekikisessions presents The FIFA World Cup Pride Ball. Commentator: @theenotorious.1 Dj: @mactrayy Location: 104 17th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 Time: 9PM-2AM Entry: FREE All categories are asking you to bring in the colors or merchandise of any competing team in the World Cup 2026. Winners of sub categories will battle for cash. Get your free tickets while supplies last.VIP Tables and reserved seating are available for sale via the link in bio. Must have a ticket to attend. Shoutout to our partners @swace.seattle @cdforum @seattlepride graphic design: @finesstor

Spring Time is Here☔️🌦️🌈 Come out to Hold That Pose for Me😈 Brought to you by @swace.seattle and @cdforum Come engage with community, practice your category, or access community resources from 6PM-9PM at Langston Hughes Performing Art Institute on 4.8.26 DM us if you have any questions 🫶🏼

Happy Black History Month✊🏾 Come out to Hold That Pose for Me😈 Brought to you by @swace.seattle and @cdforum Come engage with community, practice your category, or access community resources from 6PM-9PM at Langston Hughes Performing Art Institute on 3.11.26 DM us if you have any questions 🫶🏼

Before February ends, we want to pause and offer a love letter to Black creativity. The impact of Black artists, visionaries, and cultural workers cannot be contained to a single month, but we can take a moment to name and honor it. We’re spotlighting 6 Black creatives who remind us why our stories, our art, and our leadership matter — all year long. Check out Part 1 if you missed it! #blackhistorymonth❤️🖤💚