We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Robert Powell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

My city St. Louis is a vibrant city that’s often overlooked. We have a community that pulses with untapped potential, especially amongst our youth. STL is a place where dreams of gaming greatness exist, yet many face barriers that keep them from reaching those aspirations. My Foundation recognized this gap and took a bold step by taking the challenge to empower the youth through gaming. We host gaming tournaments, programs, and community events. Our first big tournament was in 2023 at the Whitfield Foundation on the south side of STL. It was a day that not only changed the landscape of gaming in our community but also transformed lives.

Once we solidified partnerships. We knew that this wasn’t just another competition, it was a rare opportunity for connection and community-building. Many kids arrived with anticipation, ready to engage in something they had only dreamed of. This tournament was unprecedented in our area, and it became clear that it represented more than just gaming. It was a safe place where kids from different ages, races, and religions could come together to forge friendships and share their passion for gaming.

What surprised me most was the sense of camaraderie that showed among the youth. Young gamers who had never met before bonded over their favorite games, finding common ground in a world that often aim to divide us. Parents too, who had been strangers, began to connect. They shared stories and laughter, forming genuine friendships that would extend beyond the tournament. It was heartwarming to witness the barriers breaking into a spirit of unity and joy.

After the tournament, we had the honor of awarding our first-ever esports scholarship to the winner of our Super Smash Bros tournament, granting them a pathway to pursue their passion as a esports player at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). This moment was a testament to our commitment to empowering young gamers and providing them with tangible opportunities for growth and education.

The challenges our youth face in St. Louis are significant. Many do not have access to the latest gaming consoles or technology, which can be a disheartening reality in an industry that thrives on innovation. Through the BGG Foundation, we aimed to change that narrative. We provide the newest gaming technology to the youth, showing that they are worthy of experiencing the thrill of modern gaming. This was about more than just equipment, it was a statement that they belong in this world and that their dreams are valid.

To enrich the experience, we partnered with local community members, including dentists who offered health resources, Universities, student podcasting, streaming and food trucks that provided bussing meals. We also incorporated live music performances from local talent, creating a festive atmosphere that brought the city together. These events foster a sense of family, showcasing the power of community collaboration.

The first-place winners of our tournaments left with $1,000 cash, and we gave away a brand-new Nintendo Switch & PlayStation 5, generously donated by our partners at Sony PlayStation. These sponsors and brands are vital to our mission, as they help us elevate the community and empower the underserved gamers. Their support amplifies our efforts, allowing us to provide resources and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach for many in our community.

Gaming is often misconceived as a simple pastime, but in our community, it is so much more. It is a potential pathway to success. The issue isn’t a lack of skill, rather it’s a thing of no resources and opportunities. Many of the youth in the city can compete at high levels, but without a roadmap to guide them, their potential remains unrealized. BGG Foundation serves as a beacon of hope, laying down the foundation for them to visualize a future where gaming could lead to scholarships, money, prizes, and connections.

We are committed to serving the underserved by providing not only a platform for competition but also a vehicle for positivity and community engagement. Our mission is to inspire these young gamers to harness their talents and pursue their passions, knowing that they have support behind them. We are committed to building a future where gamers can thrive, equipped with the tools and connections needed to propel them forward.

Our first tournament was a celebration of community, creativity, and collaboration. It showcased the strength and resilience of our youth while highlighting the vital role that BGG plays in bridging the gap. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future, where gamers have the opportunity to shine, connect, and succeed. The story of that day at the Whitfield Foundation was just the beginning. A reminder that in the world of gaming, everyone deserves a seat at the table.

Robert , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My foundation began with my time at PlayStation, where I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the world of gaming. Working for such a amazing brand gave me invaluable insights into the industry’s inner workings and the evolving landscape of gaming. I also embraced my passion as a streamer, showcasing my fighting game skills on YouTube and Twitch as Bruh Got Game (BGG). I witnessed firsthand the shift happening within the gaming industry—colleges launching esports teams, the rise of content creators, and the undeniable influence of social media.

While at PlayStation, I was allowed to host one philanthropic event each year, and I knew I had to make it count. Returning to my old high school, Carnahan, I felt a strong desire to give back to the students in my community. I organized our first event in 2017, bringing the excitement of PlayStation to those who shared my passion. That initial event sparked a flame that has grown into an annual tradition, allowing us to connect with and uplift the next generation of gamers in my city at my old school.

Upon leaving Sony, I was determined to carry forward the momentum of giving back. This desire led me to establish the BGG Foundation. With the relationships I built in the gaming industry, I sought partnerships that would enable us to pour resources and opportunities into our youth and community. What sets us apart is our authenticity, we are a gaming nonprofit organization founded by a true gamer who has walked the path within the industry. This unique perspective allows us to create a movement that is truly by gamers, for gamers.

We take pride in our ability to engage with brands, government entities, and universities to elevate our mission. One of our proudest achievements was recently securing St. Louis its first-ever Esports Day October 6th through a proclamation from Mayor Jones. Solidifying our commitment to recognizing the importance of gaming in our community. Additionally, we celebrate the success of our students who have received scholarships to become esports players while pursuing their degrees.

The positive impact we are making is tangible. Our events foster a sense of family and belonging, creating a welcoming environment for everyone who attends. We are not just about gaming, we are about building connections and sparking joy within our community. I want anyone reading this to know that we are not different from anyone else. We embody the hustler’s mentality, showing that with dedication and the right mindset, you can achieve greatness. My Foundation is a living example that anyone can turn their passion into a powerful force for change.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Initially, my foundation was a side hustle while I worked as a Marketing Manager in the corporate world. I was reliant on the corporate landscape, but I always felt a calling to give back to my community through gaming. The foundation started as an annual free event with the St. Louis Public Schools, a way for me to connect with students and share our love for gaming, even while balancing my full-time job.

Word began to spread through connections with students, teachers, and the St. Louis Board of Education. The foundation started gaining traction. It was during this time that I had the opportunity to connect with a university that had heard about our work and wanted to bring a gaming experience to their campus. This event marked a significant turning point for me. It was the first time I was ever paid to create a gaming experience. It was validation of my efforts and a glimpse into the potential that was ahead.

As time went on, I found myself increasingly disappointed with the corporate world. As a Black man in corporate America, I often felt inauthentic & the weight of having to wear multiple masks. Hiding my true self and putting on a facade just to fit in. I became numb, realizing that I was working to live instead of truly living for my work. This internal struggle pushed me to reevaluate my path and consider a life where I could be authentic and impactful.

With the unwavering support of my wife and family, I made the bold decision to transition to running the BGG Foundation full-time. It was a leap of faith, but one that was rooted in my passion for gaming and my commitment to empowering my community. We started very small, with just two consoles—a PlayStation 4 and a PS4 VR. But as the demand for our events grew, so did our capabilities. We scaled from 2 consoles at the beginning to now hosting 50 console tournaments, creating a vibrant space for gamers to connect, compete, and thrive.

The evolution of the BGG Foundation into a full-time career has been both challenging and rewarding. Every connection I made, every word of encouragement from students and educators, and every partnership formed helped to lay the groundwork for our success. Today we are not just a gaming nonprofit, we are a movement dedicated to uplifting our community and creating opportunities through gaming. I am proud of how far we’ve come and excited about the future, knowing that we are making a real difference in the lives of young gamers in St. Louis and beyond.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the tendency to want success for others more than they wanted it for themselves. This realization came through my experiences with students who, despite their immense talent and potential, lacked the necessary support and motivation to pursue their passions.

I knew a gifted gamer with a natural appetite for competitive play. I saw the spark in them and envisioned all the possibilities that lay ahead if they were willing to put in the effort. I wanted to see them succeed so badly that I invested my time and energy into encouraging them, mapping out plans for tournaments and opportunities that could help elevate their gaming career. I believed wholeheartedly in their potential and often found myself frustrated when their drive didn’t match my own.

However, I gradually came to understand that my desire for their success was not enough to propel them forward. This student faced significant challenges at home, including a lack of support from their family and external pressures that drained their motivation. Despite my best intentions, I realized that I couldn’t want something for them more than they were willing to fight for themselves. The truth is, motivation must come from within, and external encouragement can only go so far if the individual is not ready to embrace their path.

This realization was difficult to digest. I had to unlearn the notion that my enthusiasm and dedication could compensate for their lack of motivation or support. It was a humbling experience, and it forced me to reevaluate my role as a mentor. I learned that my job is not to make them successful but rather to create an environment where they feel empowered to pursue their passions at their own pace.

By shifting my perspective, I began to focus on fostering a sense of community and belonging. I encouraged open dialogue, allowing students to express their aspirations and concerns. I also prioritized connecting them with resources and support systems that could help them thrive, rather than placing the burden of their success solely on my shoulders.

This lesson taught me the importance of balance. Understanding that while I can provide guidance and opportunities, the desire for success must ultimately come from the individual. This reshaped how I approach mentorship, reminding me that each person’s journey is unique and that my role is to support and uplift without imposing my expectations onto them. Ultimately, I want to be a catalyst for their success, not the driving force behind it. This unlearning process has deepened my understanding of empowerment, and I hope to instill this same clarity in the students I work with through the Foundation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bggfoundation.net
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bggfndn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bggfoundation?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bggfoundation/
• Twitter: https://x.com/bggfndn?s=11&t=M0ONsQEjcrCe80tu7hQizQ
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bggfoundation6698

Image Credits

Boydmedia
3onefoent