YouTube launches grant program for Black creators
Last summer, YouTube announced the launch of a $100 million initiative to amplify the voices of Black creators on its platform by developing YouTube Originals programming, focusing on racial justice, and investing in product and policy changes.
To strengthen the narratives and content of those voices, the video-streaming platform created the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund where creators will get dedicated partner support from YouTube as well as seed funding for channel development, workshops, training, and a networking program to support creators. The company plans to fulfill this commitment by investing directly in more than 500 creators globally through 2023. Global Head of YouTube Music Lyor Cohen added,
“This is not a flash-in-the pan Instagram moment. This is about keeping the drum beat of change alive, and in the DNA of our organization. Our expectation is that these artists are going to be significant and important voices, and make music even more enjoyable. There’s no question how significant of an impact Black music has had, not just in America, but globally.”
To introduce the campaign YouTube unveiled it’s #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021. A group of 132 musicians, beauty entrepreneurs, comedians, activists, poets, personal trainers, teachers, parents, photographers, and more hailing from the U.S., UK, Kenya, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Nigeria. Read more about the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund here.
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