How Opal Grove Games is fostering a third place for Black gamers in Detroit
How Opal Grove Games is fostering a third place for Black gamers in Detroit
How Opal Grove Games is fostering a third place for Black gamers in Detroit
By SaMya Overall
February 15, 2024
Summary
"I want to be part of creating more opportunities for Black people, for everyone who is underrepresented in games. I get people all the time who think of tabletop games as a 'white people hobby.' Games are for everyone. Fun is for everyone."
When 27th Letter Books in Southwest Detroit reached out to see if they would be interested in using its basement, the duo pivoted and opened Opal Grove Games a few months later.
Opal Grove is a community gaming space where both new and lifelong gamers can play and shop for card, board and role-playing games.
The co-owners Blake and Lippi see the store as a "Third place" for Detroit's game enthusiasts, specifically Black gamers.
The idea for Opal Grove Games came from Blake's experience as a Black female gamer in a predominantly white, male gaming community.
Opal Grove is one of very few stores in Detroit that sells tabletop games, and the co-owners aim for it to be a noncompetitive, relaxing space for people to learn.
Opal Grove Games is open on Wednesdays through Sundays at 3546 Michigan Ave., Detroit, in the same building as 27th Letter Books.
Reference
Overall, S. (2024, February 15). How Opal Grove Games is fostering a third place for Black gamers in Detroit. Outlier Media. https://outliermedia.org/opal-grove-games-detroit-store-board-tabletop-gaming/