YouTube pledges $100 million to original content that amplifies black voices and perspectives
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YouTube are the latest corporation to make a pledge towards supporting the black community on their platform.
The video sharing and streaming website, founded in 2005 and now estimated to be worth over $20 billion, has established a $100 million fund to assist them in their committment “to doing better as a platform to center and amplify Black voices and perspectives.”
In a post on the YouTube blog, company CEO Susan Wojcicki said that YouTube had always been proud to be a platform “that celebrates a broad and diverse set of voices,” but that they recognise YouTube “need to do more, in particular with the Black community.”
The $100 million fund will be dedicated to amplifying and developing the voices of Black creators and artists and their stories. Launching this Saturday 13th June, YouTube Original will live stream Bear Witness, Take Action, bringing together creators, artists, public figures and activists for roundtable discussions and musical performances, with donations benefiting the Equal Justice Initiative.
Throughout June, YouTube’s Spotlight channel will also highlight racial justice issues, showing interviews, historical content, educational videos and protest coverages, covering the fight for equality.
Read the full blog post from YouTube here.
YouTube are the latest media company to announce funds supporting black communities and initiatives. Sony Music Group announced a $100 million social justice fund, and elsewhere Warner announced they would also donate $100 million to charitable causes related to the music industry, social justice and campaigns.
