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Yesterday, Besa Gordon stopped by Good Day Seattle on FOX 13 Seattle to talk about a powerful new story highlighting the reach of the Mariners Care Foundation — and how Back2Besa continues to follow stories of opportunity and community well beyond the Emerald City.

For nearly three years, Back2Besa has shared stories from all across the Pacific Northwest. But this time, the journey took a major turn north — all the way to Anchorage, Alaska.
As Besa shared during her conversation with Erin Mayovsky, “Where the Northwest connects” isn’t just a tagline — it’s the whole spirit of the show. And Anchorage had a story that deserved to be told.

This week’s segment spotlights Gamers Alaska, a baseball and softball program serving young athletes in Anchorage’s Mountain View neighborhood.

For years, the program faced major challenges, including Alaska’s long winter weather and a lack of indoor facilities, making consistent practice nearly impossible. Families also dealt with long travel times and high training costs — especially in a neighborhood where resources can already be limited.

But thanks to support from the Seattle Mariners and the Mariners Care Foundation, that reality is changing.

Now, Gamers Alaska has a dedicated indoor training space right in their own community — making year-round baseball possible, even in Alaska’s extreme conditions.

Besa also highlighted how important Gamers Alaska is as part of Major League Baseball’s RBI program, which helps make a sport that can be expensive and inaccessible more achievable for youth.

And what makes this story even bigger than baseball is what the Mariners Care Foundation is doing beyond the field.

The foundation isn’t just helping build facilities — they’re also supporting young people through additional resources, including helping students apply for college and access financial aid.

It’s the kind of long-term investment that creates real opportunity: not just better athletes, but more confident young people with futures full of possibility.

The Gamers Alaska story was produced by mathewbermudez

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The answer is YES!!
This is where you can find them in Anchorage, AK:
📍 @fromagios owned by @lamar.g.sloss
📍 @eat_southak Exec Chef @chef_los_ak
📍 @akelaspace @blackinalaska owned by @jovell
📍 @waffles_whatnot owned by @derricklgreens

@theblacktravelalliance @travelalaska
@visitanchorage

#NiNiPhoto
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#DMVphotographer #DMVphotography #MarylandPhotographer #DCphotographer #Photographer #Photography #Photo #Photoshoot #BlackFemalePhotographer #DMVblackFemalePhotographer
#NikonCreates #NikonCreator #Nikon #Alaska #TravelAlaska #BTA #BlackTravel #BlackTravelAlliance #creatorsweekendAlaska

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Juneteenth marks the journey toward freedom — and the work still ahead.

This year, we’re shining a light on local Black-owned businesses that shape and move our communities forward everyday, creating change from the ground up.

Let’s continue to invest in equity and opportunity.

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alaskan cruise ✅

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February is Black History Month! This year’s theme is “African Americans and Labor”, highlighting all the important work Black individuals have contributed throughout history.
Why do we celebrate Black History Month? Jonathan Franklin explains in the NPR article “Here's the story behind Black History Month — and why it's celebrated in February”, “Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history.”
Nelson Mandela, the first president of South Africa and an anti-apartheid activist, said "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” We can be inspired by this quote to remember how all humans’ freedom is connected, and how we are responsible for uplifting and respecting others.
There are many ways to celebrate black history month in Alaska. You can explore local black owned businesses and restaurants, attend community events like the Alaska Black Business Expo, or visit the Anchorage Museum or Alaska Veterans Museum to learn about the contributions and history of African Americans in Alaska. Learn more about these ways to celebrate at https://www.anchorage.net/blog/post/5-ways-to-celebrate-black-history-month-in-anchorage/.

#blackhistorymonth #BHM25 #BHM #blackhistorymonth2025 #celebratingblackhistorymonth #blackhistory #alaska #alaskanhistory The post says “February is Black History Month” surrounded by organic shapes and flowers in yellow, red, and green, on a black background. These are common colors of African flags and have important symbolism.

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BLACK PEOPLE, IN ALASKA?????? ABSOLUTELY AND WE’VE BEEN THRIVING HERE SINCE THE 1850’s!

Coined as the ‘’Chicago of Alaska’’ , Anchorage was once a hub for Black Migration! With Black communities comes Black Excellence and we’ve created a list of 12 Black owned businesses who are continuing the legacy and for you to support the next time you’re in Anchorage.

📍 @fromagios . Formaggio Artisan Cheeses is a cheese lovers paradise! Owned by Chef Lamar Sloss @lamar.g.sloss , this ain’t your average cheese shop!

📍 @waffles_whatnot . Founded in 2016 by Derrick Green Waffles and Whatnot is a community focused social enterprise that serves healthier southern style cuisine mixed with international flare.

📍 @evascupcakeryak . Eva’s Cupcakery is the perfect mixture of love, sweets and southern roots! Hailing from Alabama Eva Perry is the owner of this establishment and was intentional about creating a business in Anchorages Mountainview neighborhood.

📍 @cbtraining is for anyone who has inntentions to lead a healthier lifestyle. Understanding that Every Body is different , Chris Bryants programs are catered to every client’s individual needs.

📍Umoja Co-working space is owned and operated by serial entreperneur Jasmin Smith! Created for the community, Umoja creates space for everyone from local churches to creatives.

To @jovell of @akelaspace THANK you for being a pioneer ! We are so grateful for all you do and for keeping our stories alive! Check out @blackinalaska to learn more about the Black community throughout the state!

To read the full list go to your explore page on the @abctravelgreenbook app or click the link in the bio 😊.

@visitanchorage

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This was how my New Year’s Eve looked quiet time and a kiss to ring in the new year with my hubby!
New Year’s Day was delicious short ribs and scallops there’s never enough of them😂💕🌻

And the Lord blessed me to see the #northernlights on #NewYearsDay It was an amazing start of the new year!!
The things that I want people to know regarding me in 2025
#Yesterdaypricenottodayprice! #dietoself #thrive and come #backtolife #GGAY #GG1Y #inmyseasonofdevelopment

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some images from my trip to Anchorage, Alaska over the summer courtesy of @akelaspace @blackinalaska @jovell - the state of Alaska is easily the most beautiful place i’ve ever been in my life thus far. with over 12 hours of sunlight a day, it became almost impossible to not wander and explore as much as the day allowed me to. between long days on my bike, running from bears with the homegirls, eating as much fresh wild caught salmon as i could find, and finally relaxing at the beautiful log cabin i got to stay in, everyday was an adventure. i’m grateful to say that this project has now gone to one of the farthest places in this country. i look forward to continuing the relationship with the city and the wonderful Black community. another day closer to history. all film processed and scanned by @arthousefilmlab

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🦋Effect is real!🦋

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