"Fortnite" Hosts Van Jones, Jemele Hill, Killer Mike And More In In-Game Event On Racism
As the George Floyd stretch into July, the conversation surrounding race and racial justice has transcended into the digital space, as well. Among the places where people are talking about race is Fortnite, which hosted a We the People special about racial justice in America.
CNN's Van Jones hosts "We The People," during which he spoke to writers Elaine Welterroth, Jemele Hill and rapper Killer Mike. The 45-minute special, which took place on July 4th, touched on topics like systematic racism in the media.
According to Mashable, the event comes days after reports of racism in the game. In one tweet, Cat Herrera, a 29-year-old mother and Fortnite gamer, claims she was called "N-word" in the game.
What's with people….. random squad fills…Safe behind their username and their platform. The Nick guy, and the Rek guy called me the N word the entire match…. I'm tired of reporting and blocking people for communication abuse. Ban the word.
FortniteGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/FortniteStatus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">FortniteStatus pic.twitter.com/lYUHOVkj22— Cat (@catherrera11) June 29, 2020
The special aired numerous times throughout the day, screening every other hour on the Fourth of July.
Some users reacted positively to the special, tweeting message expresses appreciation for the event and for Fortnite's hosting. Numerous tweets show fans watching the special in the game, while others took pictures of their children watching "We The People" at home.
I woke up early to watch the Fortnite We the People live event. I'm glad they are using their platform for this ✊🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ur3iuy4Kec
— Nessa💫🎮 (@VanessaStrive) July 4, 2020
Fortnite: "We the people"Black Lives Matter 🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/r7neyZwcbh
— Diego_Warrior20X (@DiegoOr46236014) July 4, 2020
#fortnite I like “we the people “ announcement it’s important especially to educate young minds
— salma🦋 (@salmaroseee) July 4, 2020
We The People is starting soon, highly suggest everyone watches. #BLM #BlackLivesMatter #Fortnite pic.twitter.com/kzSernvviG
— Ronny (@RonnieIsBetter) July 4, 2020
My little guy is watching We The People inside Fortnite. Super cool! pic.twitter.com/cgjN3piyf9
— Justin Hunter (@polluterofminds) July 4, 2020
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A Concerned Rifleman
>Fortnite
I'm sure that 9 yos are really concerned about this and not, you know, trying to enjoy summer break.
TerribleTrike
Ah yes, the optimal platform for identity politics.