YouTube will be rolling out new Black-focused content as part of their initiative to amplify Black voices. USA Today reported that these upcoming projects will include stories on family, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), racial injustice and jail expansion.
Some of the projects came from the "#YouTubeBlack Voices Fund," which allocates $100 million for Black voices and perspectives on the video-sharing platform over the next few years, according to Malik Ducard, YouTube's Vice President of Learning, Impact, Family, Film, TV & Health.
"With these new resources, we really wanted to invest with intentionality," Ducard said in an interview." 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."
He added that these projects aim to build empathy, educate others and "inspire action and dialogue" around racial issues. Susanne Daniels, the Global Head of Original Content, expanded on the aim of #YouTube Black: working 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," she said. "I think that's an important distinction and important opportunity that we're focused on."
Here are the upcoming Black-focused titles coming in October and December this year:
Resist
The documentary series will be released in October 2020. It follows multiple organizations fighting against Los Angeles county's $3.5 million jail expansion plan. USA Today said it will feature Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors and other individuals.
HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me On The Yard
A live virtual event celebrating HBCUs across the nation whose homecoming events have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. HBCU Homecoming will have live musical performances and more, and it will act as a fundraiser for United Negro College Fund and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It's scheduled for release on October 24.
Bear Witness, Take Action Part Two
This project plans to release in December 2020. Hosted by Common and Keke Palmer, the second part in this series aims to "inspire the platform’s global community to take action for racial justice."
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