To address the racial stereotypes and colonialist supremacy that has seeped into the fantastical world of D&D, Cartwright has used the game as a vessel particularly suited for Black creativity and Black culture to flourish.

“It’s really enjoyable watching players meet different types of cultures, myths and legends drawn from different places and that mean very, very different things,” Cartwright said. “Being a Black person in a world where prejudice doesn’t exist feels good.”

“What I have discovered is this really wonderful connection to a part of me that I didn’t get to express for the longest time.”

“Never doubt that you will bring value to the table, whether that’s for jumping into a D&D campaign or deciding to write a script or paint something,” Cartwright said.