YouTube is committing a $100 million special fund to help “amplify” the voice of black creators and artistes on its platform. The fund will go to developing talent and financing new shows.
YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki in a blog post said the video streaming site is committed to doing better as a platform to center and amplify Black voices and perspectives. The fund will help create new YouTube Original programming and help develop black creators and artists.
The fund’s first programme under the initiative is a YouTube Original special called “Bear Witness, Take Action”. Bear Witness, Take Action will air on 13th June 2020.
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It will involve activists, creators, and artists like Jemele Hill, John Legend, and Roxane Gay. The programme will also help raise funds for the Equal Justice Initiative.
Wojcicki had also said YouTube will continue to tackle hate and harassment. The site pledges to create a safer environment for black users to freely use its platform.
This follows Apple’s $100 million pledge to the Racial Equity and Justice Initiative. The company’s CEO, Tim Cook had said, “things must change, and Apple’s committed to being a force for that change”.
Apple also pledged to take new steps on diversity and inclusion to hire and support underrepresented groups. Tech companies like Amazon and Facebook have also pledged $10 million each to groups fighting racial and social justice.
YouTube’s parent company, Google had promised $12 million to fund organizations fighting systemic racism.
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