2023 Black In Gaming Awards Show (BIG) Honors Black Developers in Gaming Industry

After a year-long hiatus, The 6th Annual Black in Gaming Awards show (BIG) returns bigger and better than ever - to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions and achievements of ‘hidden figures’ in the game developer space while advocating for diversity and inclusion. ​

​The cutting-edge event will converge at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, on Thursday, March 23rd at 6:00PM PST / 9:00 PM EST live in-person for the first time since 2019. The sixth annual Black in Gaming (BIG) Awards will honor content creators, developers, and gamers who have played pivotal roles in shaping the gaming industry. The awards show will also be live-streamed on Facebook and Instagram. Honorees include: Josiana Valverde, Head of Special Projects, Diversity & Inclusion at Ubisoft receiving the Jerry Lawson Lifetime Achievement Award; Michael Lee, Senior Director Global Talent and Acquisition receiving the Industry Champion Award; Dr. Kishonna Gray, ​​Associate Professor in Writing, Rhetoric, & Digital Studies and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky receiving the Education Award; Shawn Alexander Allen, founder of games company NuChallenger receiving the Excellence in Design Award; and more. 

To uplift this celebration, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Netflix have returned as partners to help support BIG’s diversity and inclusion efforts. ​

​In an effort to address these disparities, The BIG Awards recently transitioned into an official 501(c) organization; which was founded with the purpose of bridging communities, and creating a more equitable and representative space for all. In 2022, The BIG Foundation set out for the “BIG 5-in-5”-- an organizational goal to increase Black representation in the gaming ecosystem from 2% to 5% by 2028. BIG is working with various corporations to hit this lofty– yet tangible target.  
 
Each year, The BIG Awards showcases trailblazing change-makers within the industry and this year is no different. Previous honorees include: Reggie Fils-Aime, former President/COO of Nintendo of America Inc., Julian Walshaw-Vaughan, Vice President of Engineering of Roblox, Stanley Pierre-Louis, President & CEO of Entertainment Software Association, and more. 

ABOUT BLACK IN GAMING FOUNDATION
The Black in Gaming (BIG) Foundation, a 501(c) organization, is a volunteer community dedicated to cultivating, supporting, and promoting Black professionals in the video game industry. By actively working on creating opportunities for Black people in the video game industry, BIG also develops action plans to combat systemic institutionalized racism that manifests itself in unsafe spaces, microaggressions, and hidden discrimination in the workplace. 
More at www.thebigfoundation.org

READERS OF THIS ARTICLE ALSO ENJOYED

Comedian Mike E. Winfield Brings 4 Shows to Atlanta on his 'Happiness Tour'

​You've seen him on America's Got Talent and now you can experience him in person in Atlanta.
Our friend, Mike E. Winfield is taking the laughs on the road and Atlanta is one of the stops during his "Happiness Tour".

Together We Inspire Masses- A Convo with Rahbi Raw

If you are ever so lucky to attend a Rahbi live performance, you better go!  I don't care if the venue is a tiny house, he is going to rock the FVCK out of that place!  

Desi Banks Has Found What Makes Him Happy

​Desi Banks shares his happiest moment with Jermaine Sain during the red carpet premiere of Finding Happy.

---

KEYWORDS
​Black in gaming - black gaming pc - black in gaming awards - gaming near me - black gamers - black game developers - blacks in the gaming industry - netflix games - black youtuber gamer - black in gaming awards show - top black gamers - black video gamers - black gaming content creators - When We Speak TV - Jermaine Sain - black content creators - speak tv - sony interactive entertainment - gaming convention