| Title | Black Joy. Black Pain: Exploring Narratives of Survival in Gaming |
| Presenter(s) | Reginald Gardner, Akil Fletcher, Javon Goard, Kishonna Gray, and Joan Miller |
| Time | Friday, October 14, 10:15a-11:15a |
| Location | Superior Room |
| Format | Panel |
| Description | As Black game scholars have noted, digital media have become places where patterns of inequalities and oppression are replicated; gaming follows this trend inflicting significant harm. But research suggests that despite the harms, Black players find each other and facilitate communal experiences that often mirror physical spaces of connection. This panel brings together existing and emerging race, space, and gaming scholars to address Black players' experiences in various gaming communities from their research and work. Kishonna Gray's current work investigates the intersectional experiences of black folks online. Akil Fletcher's research examines how black gamers navigate massively multiplayer online games like Final Fantasy 14 (FFXIV). Together, they host a summer esports and gaming program for youth in Kentucky. Finally, Javon and Reginald study intersectionality and community, focusing on folks playing fighting games from different perspectives; humanist and organizational. The panel centers narratives of survival through differing black perspectives.
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