Xbox is celebrating Black History Month in a variety of ways, from panels to showcasing stories of representation.
This morning, Xbox Content Developer & Content Lead, Albert Dankwa, revealed Xbox's plans to celebrate Black History Month. This includes Game Camp, highlighting stories from Black Communities, and more.
Firstly, Xbox will add the option to spend Microsoft Rewards on organizations that support Black, diverse, and minority communities like last year. The organizations this year include Cxmmunity, Black Girls Rock!, and Gameheads.
Secondly, Xbox Game Studios Game Camp is returning to New Orleans. According to Albert Dankwa, "the goal of Game Camp is to provide people from underrepresented communities with access to subject matter experts, tools, and industry connections to aid them through the game creation process."
Thirdly, Xbox Game Studios and HBCU Connect will partner to hold a special panel March 3 with developers Timothy Olojedeto, Hector Llanos, and Corey Rogers. The goal is "to highlight the work they do within gaming and how to contribute to an inclusive place where people from various walks of life can excel," Albert Dankwa said.
According to Albert Dankwa, Microsoft is staying committed to their Racial Equality Initiative, which was formed in 2020. Microsoft will increase inclusive hiring, making the culture of inclusion stronger, more representation, and so on.
Xbox Game Studios will also hold a pre-recorded session on March 24 titled "The New Faces of Gaming" with diverse panelists: Software Engineer Keirten Nivol, Xbox Marketing Manager Austin Joseph, and Senior Program Manager at Xbox Calicia Johnson.
"The New Faces of Gaming" will have the panelists explore their experiences in gaming, the impact diverse voices are having, and more.
Finally, Xbox will be highlighting stories at Xbox Ambassadors from Black communities in the gaming industry, such as:
Featuring Black Streamers, Game Creators, and Non-Profit organizations
"World's Edge: Age of Empires" Showcasing Black Figures in History
"Minecraft: Education Edition" offering "Lessons in Good Trouble"
"Halo Infinite" offering an exclusive free emblem and nameplate celebrating Black History Month
Last year, Xbox celebrated Black History Month in similar ways to this year, with one major difference being the inclusion of a T-Shirt inspired and built from the NAACP's campaign, "We Are Done Dying."
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