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:

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🎮 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.

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💡 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.

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🌍 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.

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#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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