Origins Online has been canceled. They have alienated the community of Black game designers they were trying to support, to the dismay of much of the gaming community. By the time they finally made a statement, many exhibitors, designers, and publishers had withdrawn from the convention - rightly so.
I grew up in south Minneapolis. You may have heard the term "Minnesota nice" used to describe the stereotypical behavior of us Minnesotans: courteous, reserved, mild-mannered. This behavior also has a dark side: an aversion to confrontation, the desire to "not make a fuss". But silence is one way that systemic racism perpetuates itself, by maintaining the status quo. Refusing to take a stance is not acceptable. I'm proud of the people of Minneapolis for speaking out now and making a fuss, because it is hard for us to just say what needs to be said sometimes.
With that, here is what needs to be said: Black Lives Matter. 100%
Sincerely,
Brendan Kendrick
Dead Alive Games