Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keshia Walker.
Founder and chairwoman of the Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BCGA).
Here’s a breakdown of the key themes and takeaways:
🎮 Episode Overview
- Guest: Keshia Walker, trailblazer in the gaming and esports industry.
- Focus: Empowering HBCU students and women of color to enter and thrive in the gaming industry—not just as players, but as developers, designers, and leaders.
💡 Key Insights 1. Underrepresentation in Gaming
- Despite gaming being a \$300 billion industry, only 2% of professionals are Black, and less than 0.5% are women of color.
- Over 70% of African Americans aged 13+ identify as gamers, yet they are vastly underrepresented in industry roles.
2. BCGA’s Mission
- Founded in 2020, BCGA aims to:
- Build gaming and innovation labs at HBCUs (from 1 to 18+ in 5 years).
- Provide career pathways through mentorship, scholarships, and internships.
- Host summits and events like Girls Got Game and Women Got Game to inspire and connect young women with industry leaders.
3. Career Opportunities in Gaming
- Beyond playing, careers include:
- Game development and design
- Animation, 3D printing, AR/VR, AI
- Music scoring and sound design
- Marketing, HR, and entrepreneurship
- BCGA connects students with companies like EA, McDonald’s, and AT&T for real-world opportunities.
4. Certifications & Education
- BCGA is working to offer certifications in AR/VR, AI, 3D design, and drone technology directly through HBCUs.
- These certifications aim to make students more marketable and job-ready.
5. Global Reach & Inclusivity
- BCGA has international reach, with Keshia speaking at conferences in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- The organization is inclusive of all students of color and is expanding into high schools and middle schools.
🌍 Impact & Call to Action
- Parents: Don’t discourage gaming—it can lead to scholarships and high-paying careers.
- Students: Visit bcgausa.org to upload resumes, find mentors, and explore career paths.
- Partners & Donors: Support BCGA through donations or partnerships to help expand access and opportunity.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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