HipHopGamer Gerard Williams: NAACP Image Awards Gaming Nominee

Variety

by Jennifer Maas

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Digital content creator Gerard Williams, known as HipHopGamer, has made history by becoming the first nominee in the NAACP Image Awards' new gaming category. The 57th NAACP Image Awards introduced this groundbreaking recognition to acknowledge the growing influence of minorities in gaming and tech. Williams was selected alongside four other nominees, including Berlin Edmond Jr., Cory Kenshin, Jay-Ann Lopez, and Khleo Thomas. Speaking with Variety, Williams shared his excitement about the category's debut, emphasizing how it represents a step toward greater inclusivity for Black creators in gaming. Williams' journey into gaming began as a child when his late grandmother introduced him to the hobby in Brooklyn. Now a prominent figure in gaming journalism, Williams is celebrated for his weekly syndicated show with Hot97 and his community-focused initiatives. These include Playmakers, a partnership with Chase Bank that uses gaming to teach financial literacy in New York City schools, and a rehabilitation program backed by Denzel Washington for inmates at Rikers Island. His work has even landed him a role as a character in "Mutant Football League 2," featuring his likeness, music, and a team of students he’s mentored. Reflecting on his nomination, Williams recalled the emotional moment he received the news while staying in a hotel in Vegas. He described feeling a mix of joy and gratitude, channeling the excitement of his younger self who first discovered gaming with his grandmother. While he hopes to win, Williams sees this recognition as a broader victory for Black creators in gaming. His nomination underscores the importance of diversifying representation in an industry often criticized for lacking inclusivity. Williams' experiences highlight the challenges minorities face in gaming, including past encounters with racism during early career events like E3. Despite these hurdles, he chose to focus on creating opportunities rather than dwelling on negativity. This mindset has driven his success and allowed him to

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Originally published on Variety on 2/23/2026