The Black In Gaming Foundation (BIG: a nonprofit organization and global ecosystem advancing Black leadership, innovation, and opportunity in gaming) honors the outstanding achievements and contributions of Black professionals in the gaming industry, as part of the 2026 BIG Awards ceremony. The annual BIG Awards shines a spotlight on leaders, innovators, creators, change-makers, and trailblazers from across the gaming industry. Past honorees include titans from across the gaming industry, including Reggie Fils-Aimé, Sarah Bond, Jerry Lawson, and many more.
An evening of celebration, hosted by Dr. iAsia Brown, highlighted the remarkable achievements of the 2026 honorees whose work continues to shape the gaming industry across media, artistry, programming, development, and social advocacy. The Board of Directors, and the entire Black in Gaming community, are proud to honor and congratulate this year’s honorees for their remarkable contributions that will forever pave the way for a future where Black talent continues to thrive:
- Gerald “Jerry” Lawson Lifetime Achievement Award – Lisette Montgomery
- Excellence in Education Award – Dr. Akil Fletcher
- Excellence in Media Award – Stephanie Ijoma
- Excellence in Artistry Award – Danielle Wallace
- Excellence in Programming Award – Jarryd Huntley
- Indie Developer Award – Adanna Nedd
- Industry Champion Award – Alice Winter
- Industry Spotlight Award – Destinee Cleveland
- Social and Economic Change Award – iAsia Brown
“This year’s honorees are true trailblazers, and their contributions to the gaming industry have opened countless doors for the next generation of Black gaming professionals,” said Black in Gaming’s Chairwoman of the Board Trinidad Hermida. “It’s an honor for us to shine a spotlight on their achievements.”
