announced the inaugural 2021 class of partners for its #YouTubeBlack Voices program — a group of 132 creators and artists from around the world who will receive funding and support from the video giant.YouTube announced a $100 million fund dedicated to Black creators
“In the aftermath of the tragic and shameful killing of George Floyd in June, we wanted to dial up and show our commitment to this community in a new way,” said Malik Ducard, YouTube’s VP of responsibility, in a call with reporters. The 2021 #YouTubeBlack Voices creators come from seven countries — the U.S., the U.K., Brazil, Australia, South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria — and include musicians, beauty entrepreneurs, comedians, activists, poets, personal trainers, teachers, parents and photographers. Profiles of some of the creators in the program can be found atDucard declined to say how much YouTube is investing in the 2021 class of creators.
Ducard said YouTube will open up the #YouTubeBlack Voice program to an open application process for the next round of grants. YouTube’s goal is to have more than 500 creators funded through the program over the next three years., told reporters the goal is to provide long-term career development to up-and-coming artists.