As the countdown to the 59th Super Bowl in New Orleans heats up, a group of iconic retired NFL players is coming together for a cause far beyond the football field.
On Wednesday, February 5th, Terrell Owens, Jerome Bettis, Bobby Taylor, and Brian Mitchell will host the Players Paradise Super Charity Reception in support of young Black women pursuing careers in technology.
The exclusive event will raise funds for the Black Collegiate Gaming Association Foundation (BCGAF), an organization dedicated to providing access, scholarships, mentorship, and career opportunities to Black students and women of color in the gaming industry. Proceeds from the reception will help sustain 17 BCGAF gaming and innovation labs across Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in 11 states.
Keshia Walker, founder of BCGAF, sees the continued commitment of the former players as vital to shaping the future for young Black women in tech.
“These legends were transformative on the field, but their impact now—through community advocacy and mentorship—proves their legacy lives on,” Walker said. “In a time when DEI programs are facing funding cuts, it’s these heroes who are stepping up to ensure that our students have the resources and support they need to succeed.”
BCGAF was founded in 2018 after Walker noticed a significant gap in the representation of Black women in tech, particularly in the gaming industry.
“Super Bowl 2025 is a major moment in sports, but it’s also a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come in uplifting young people of color,” Walker continued. “The Players Paradise Super Charity Reception allows us to do just that—celebrate the big game and the future of Black students in technology.”
The event is scheduled to take place at The Metropolitan, located at 310 Andrew Higgins Blvd in New Orleans, LA, offering a blend of celebration, philanthropy, and networking in an elegant setting.
Purchase tickets: HERE
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