- YouTube creates $100m fund for black creators
- Google-owned platform takes steps to promote content highlighting racial justice issues
- YouTube raises over $1m during live fundraiser featuring John Legend and KeKe Palmer
YouTube has established a $100 million fund to support black creators and artists utilising the Google-owned video platform.
The multiyear fund is dedicated to “amplifying and developing the voices of Black creators and artists and their stories,” according to CEO Susan Wojcicki.
It is one of a number of steps YouTube is taking to support black voices amid global protests over the killing of George Floyd.
During the month of June, YouTube will also use the Spotlight feature of its platform to highlight racial justice issues, bringing to the fore content from black creators and historical content about racial tensions, as well as educational videos and coverage of protests both past and present.
Wojcicki, who revealed the steps in a blog, said: “At YouTube, we believe Black lives matter and we all need to do more to dismantle systemic racism. We join in protest against the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others before them.
“The painful events of this year have reminded us of the importance of human connection and the need to continue to strengthen human rights around the world.
“Our platform has been a place where people come together since YouTube first launched 15 years ago. And in the midst of uncertainty, creators continue to share stories that might not otherwise be heard while also building online communities.”
On Saturday (13 June) YouTube hosted a live stream fundraising event produced by YouTube Originals (YTO), called Bear Witness, Take Action. The YTO will brought together creators, artists, influential public figures and prominent activist voices for roundtable discussions and musical performances, with donations benefiting the Equal Justice Initiative.
In a nearly two-hour live special aimed at combatting racial injustice, celebs including Sterling K. Brown, Wilmer Valderrama and John Legend joined hosts KeKe Palmer and Common for a discussion on racial inequality in America, and how to change the course of history. It raised over $1 million for the EJI.
“Generations of Black Americans have been waiting for justice in the United States, and we know the effect of inequality is felt around the world,” added Wojicki.
“I’m committed to listening — to Black employees at YouTube, to Black creators, to Black artists, to leaders in the Black community, and to Black users who tune in to YouTube every day.
“There is much work to do to advance racial equity in the long-term, and these efforts will continue in the months and years ahead.”
- Read more: Covering injustice safely
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