YouTube Is Putting $100 Million Behind A Global Initiative To Spotlight Black Stories & Creators

YouTube has announced a global initiative dedicated to highlighting Black voices.

On Tuesday, YouTube’s Vice President of Learning, Impact, Family, Film, TV & Health, Malik Ducard, explained that the lineup will include stories focused on racial justice, jail expansion, colleges, and family dinners in an effort to build empathy and understanding. Some of the forthcoming projects stem directly from the “#YouTubeBlack Voices Fund,” a $100 million fund meant to amplify Black voices and Black creators on the platform over the next few years.

“With these new resources, we really wanted to invest with intentionality,” Ducard said. “We wanted to put our money behind creating and supporting fresh narratives that emphasize the intellectual power, authenticity, dignity, and really the joy of Black voices.”

Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content for YouTube Originals, explained that the new projects will also be a direct partnership with Black writers, producers, directors, and Black-owned production companies.

“It won’t just be about the talent on the screen, but it will be about the talent above the line and below the line,” Daniels said. “I think that’s an important distinction and important opportunity that we’re focused on.”

Several of the titles are already gearing up to be released this year.