Beyond Today's Google Doodle: Who Was Jerry Lawson?

February is Black History Month in the United States; it’s a time for remembering important events and contributions of people across the African diaspora in all fields. Of course, that includes gaming as well. Though the number of Black game developers is still small compared to non-Black devs, greater diversity within the industry remains a hot topic in the gaming world and in tech as a whole. Here are seven Black game developers who had a major impact on the art form we love that everyone should know about.

This is my story..... In the quiet solitude of my childhood, gaming was not just an escape; it was my only companion, my silent friend in a world where I felt invisible. The rooms of my home echoed with the silence of my solitude, a constant reminder of the friendships I longed for but never had. Each day merged into the next, a monotonous cycle of loneliness that seemed endless. But there was a glimmer of hope, a single ray of light in the dimness of my daily existence. Every evening, as the sun set and shadows danced along the walls of my room, I would listen intently for the sound that meant the world to me: the weary footsteps of my dad. No matter how grueling his day, how heavy the burdens he bore, he would find his way to me, to share in the one activity that bridged the chasm of our worlds—playing Roll Cage Stage 2 on our old PlayStation. Those moments were sacred. The outside world, with all its noise and chaos, faded away, leaving just the two of us in our shared universe. We were equals in that space, driver and co-driver, navigating the twists and turns of virtual racetracks. The joy I felt during those times was palpable, a vibrant force that filled the room, dispelling the shadows of my loneliness. Yet, even in those precious hours, reality lingered at the edges. I could see the fatigue etched deeply into my father's face, a silent testament to his dedication and love. Often, he would succumb to his exhaustion, his head nodding gently as sleep claimed him. But it never mattered to me that our sessions were cut short. His presence was the gift, his effort to share in my world, a sacrifice that spoke louder than words. The cruelty of life is that it often takes away the things we treasure most, before we're ready to let them go. My father's departure from this world was abrupt, leaving a void no amount of time could fill. I never had the chance to say goodbye, to tell him how those evening gaming sessions were the beacon of light in my childhood, how they shaped the person I've become. Now, decades removed from those cherished evenings, I hold onto the memory of our shared laughter and teamwork, the gentle sound of his breathing as he dozed off, controller in hand. These memories are a bittersweet reminder of what I've lost, but also of the incredible bond we shared. Through gaming, my father left me with the most profound legacy: the realization that love, in any form, can transcend time, space, and even death. This is why gaming will forever hold a special place in my heart. It's a reminder of the love and sacrifice my dad showed me, a connection that, though he is gone, remains unbreakable. So, I share this story not for sympathy, but to honor the incredible bond we had, a bond forged in the digital worlds we explored together, a testament to the enduring power of love.

...but for me it was more Commodore 64 games and Sega Genesis games rather than Nintendo Entertainment System games that captured my adolescent attention so intently. For those of you who aren't sure what this image is depicting, this is one of the video game aisles that were commonplace from the mid '80s throughout the late '90s in a retail store called Toys 'R' Us. They went out of business here in the U.S. a few years ago, but apparently they are making a bit of a comeback these days, at least the name brand is.