What the Hell Is BlackCompat?
I’ll start by saying you have a valid question, what is BlackCompat? The idea was to create a space to talk about representation, inclusion and diversity. To talk about those things in relation to the video game and entertainment industry. We believe great stories can become more relatable and relevant when POCs are present. Think of how much a fandom can grow when you add in characters that resonate with more diverse groups.
And so our position is always and, never or.
In 2006 I started a weekly podcast about video games and anime with my sister. We did this simply because we could not find any shows covering those topics that featured Black women. At the time, women didn’t have a prominent – or positive – place in the culture, community, or industry. We desperately wanted that to change.
Our goal was to be accepted, so we chose to focus on being gamers that happened to be Black women. We specifically avoided marketing ourselves as a cause based site or show and as a result avoided the conversations of race and sexualization of women in games and media.
But we’ve grown up, and we’re over that now.
What to Expect from BlackCompat
Expect us to create an amazing team of content creators and writers. Over the next few months we will begin publishing editorials and reviews about these industries we love. We’ll be streaming games on Mixer and YouTube and building our social community. There is a video podcast in the works as well. You can join us on our journey and be part of some – hopefully – meaningful conversations.
Expect a whole lot of honesty and a zero tolerance policy when it comes to hate speech.
Until then, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Comment and let us know what you’re interested in seeing from us. Help us grow.