Mike Evans, Allisha Gray headline second annual HBCU esports tournament
Despite the 83% of Black teenagers actively playing video games, only 2% of the industry are made up of Black gamers. In an effort to help increase exposure for minority participants, Black-owned non-profit Cxmmunity is bringing back its Historically Black College and University esports league and this time, tapping even more famous figures to help kick off the festivities.
Founded by Ryan Johnson, Cxmmunity looks to increase the participation of minorities within the esports and video game industry so there is an equal opportunity for all to engage. The HBCU league will do just that. In partnership with Verizon and Twitch, the tournament is scheduled to kick of Sunday and in addition to prizes for the winners, the competition will also raise awareness and funds to further its efforts in providing resources and opportunities for greater minority exposure in the esports space.
Last year's inaugural celebrity pro-am event drew 1.3 million viewers and awarded participating HBCUs with $1,000 grants to help kickstart and supplement esports programs at their respective schools. Schools participating in this year's tournament include Alabama A&M University, Clark Atlanta University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morgan State University, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T, Tennessee State University and so much more.
As for the celebs who will square off against participants, expect to see artist T-Pain, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout Mike Evans, 2020 Olympic gold medalist Allisha Gray, free agent running back Tarik Cohen and other recognizable faces.
"At Cxmmunity, we’re always trying to showcase emerging talent in the collegiate esports space and the HBCU Esports League, along with our amazing partnerships, have allowed us to do that in full force," Chris Peay, co-founder and CMO for Cxmmunity said in a statement. "Following the success of the fall season, we hope to continue the excitement of this league and put the spotlight on increasing diversity in this industry."
The tournament will livestream on Twitch.tv/cxmmunity starting at 4:00 p.m. EDT. The HBCU Esports League spring season runs through April 3rd and will livestream every Sunday on Twitch.tv/cxmmunity.
