Black Mother-Son Team Turns Gaming Into Profit For Black Youth

Kendall Hamilton, a highly ranked Rocket League player, and his mother, Dr. Gigi, are leading an initiative that has supported young Black gamers in securing over $150,000 in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. 

Together, they founded Game Changer Academy, an organization dedicated to helping young Black gamers use their skills for financial and professional growth.

Game Changer Academy: Turning Gaming Skills Into Opportunities

Game Changer Academy emerged from Kendall Hamilton’s own journey in competitive gaming according to a press release.

Initially, his mother, Dr. Gigi—a licensed psychotherapist and organizational psychologist—had reservations about his gaming ambitions, encouraging him to focus on more traditional educational paths. 

However, Kendall’s commitment led him to become one of the top 10 Rocket League players worldwide while he was still in high school, ultimately prompting Dr. Gigi to reassess her perspective on gaming as a career path.

Kendall went on to receive multiple scholarships, including three full-ride offers, and secured several NIL deals that set him up as a professional gamer. 

Inspired by this success, the duo established Game Changer Academy to guide other young Black gamers and their families through the process of navigating gaming as a potential career pathway.

Empowering Families to Navigate NIL Deals

Game Changer Academy works to educate Black families about the opportunities available to young gamers. 

Through coaching and workshops, the academy aims to shift gaming from a recreational activity to a structured pathway toward scholarships, NIL deals, and professional growth. 

Dr. Gigi leverages her background in workforce development to equip families with strategies for supporting their children’s aspirations in gaming.

“We want families to see that gaming skills can be valuable,” Dr. Gigi said.

Kendall and Dr. Gigi are hosting a Game On: Virtual Experience event to educate attendees on how to leverage gaming skills for long-term benefits on November 4th.