Meet Jason Gray

We were lucky to catch up with Jason Gray recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jason, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose by creating moments that bring people together. It started back in March 2016, at a game night where I noticed that people weren’t connecting—most were just watching a few play Spades, and the room felt divided. The next day, I decided to change that dynamic. I wanted to build something that included everyone, that felt like the authentic, shared experiences I had growing up in the 90s and early 2000s—the times when everyone was engaged, laughing, and truly in the moment.

My journey into creating trivia games wasn’t born from a grand vision or influence but from the simple, genuine desire to bring people together. I wanted to recreate that feeling of collective joy. So I turned my passion for nostalgia and Black culture into Cards for the Culture, starting with Martin Trivia. And from there, it exploded, resonating deeply with others who felt the same connection to those shared cultural experiences.

But beyond the games, my work in filmmaking has carried the same thread—stories that show the beauty, joy, and depth of Black lives, far removed from the more common narratives of trauma or struggle. Whether it’s a game, a film, or a TikTok video, my purpose has always been about bringing people together and keeping those cherished memories alive. The impact I’ve made, from people laughing around a table to a short film that makes them feel seen, is proof that I’ve found what I’m meant to do.

Ultimately, my purpose has been realized through my ability to preserve the essence of what I loved about my past—connection, authenticity, and joy—and share it with the world, inviting others to experience those moments alongside me. I’ve transformed nostalgia into a bridge that connects generations, keeps culture alive, and brings people closer. That’s powerful, and it’s what I was meant to do.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Jason Gray, the founder and creative force behind Cards for the Culture and In Living Culture Productions. My work spans creating trivia games, short films, and now even music-inspired ventures like Sing or Drink and Whose Lyric Is This?—games that celebrate Black culture, 90s R&B nostalgia, and the power of connection. My passion lies in bringing people together, whether it’s through game nights filled with laughter and memories or short films that challenge how Black stories are told in mainstream media.

What’s most exciting about my work is the impact it has on people. For example, Sing or Drink has gone viral on social media, generating millions of views and bringing people together to belt out 90s R&B classics. Moments like that—where people are tagging their friends to join in, or even strangers connecting over a shared love for the culture—are what make this so special. I create products and experiences that aren’t just fun but are also deeply rooted in the cultural fabric that shaped me growing up in the 90s.

Currently, I’m expanding my brand with new products and ideas. I am in the final stages of my consulting agency ‘GrayHQ’ where I help aspiring card game developers bring their ideas to life.

On the creative side, I’m creating a new production compnay One11 Productions to focus on impactful short films under five minutes. These stories are inspired by companies like A24 and Monkeypaw Productions, but with a unique emphasis on portraying Black characters in ways rarely seen—highlighting joy, love, and creativity over trauma.

At the end of the day, my mission is to build the largest Black-owned trivia game company while telling stories that bring people together. Whether it’s through a game, a film, or even a conversation about 90s R&B, I want my work to inspire connection, joy, and pride in our culture.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, creativity, and an ability to connect with people.

Resilience kept me going through challenges, whether it was starting with just $150 in my pocket or navigating debt and setbacks. Creativity allowed me to think outside the box—whether it was turning 90s R&B into a game or reimagining how short films can tell Black stories. Lastly, the ability to connect with people helped me understand what brings joy to others and how to create products that resonate.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: stay consistent even when things feel uncertain, lean into your unique perspective because that’s your superpower, and build genuine connections with your audience. Learn to listen, adapt, and be okay with starting small—it’s the foundation for something great.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely, I’m always open to partnering or collaborating with folks who share a passion for creativity, culture, and connection. I’m looking to work with individuals or brands that align with my mission of celebrating Black culture and creating products or experiences that bring people together. This could include other game creators, filmmakers, musicians, or even tech developers who want to explore innovative ways to merge nostalgia and entertainment.

If you’re someone who’s passionate about storytelling, creative innovation, or creating unforgettable experiences, I’d love to connect. You can reach out to me directly through my Instagram, @HelloZumble, or through the contact form on my website at CardsfortheCulture.com. Let’s make something amazing together!

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