YouTube has announced they will have a new series of shows that focus on Black culture. In a blog post, Malik Ducard, their VP of content partnerships explains the original programming.
He states, “Back in June, we announced a $100 million fund to center and amplify Black voices and perspectives on YouTube, alongside a commitment to doing better as a platform to protect Black creators, artists and users. Since then, we’ve been doing a lot of work behind-the-scenes to bring these commitments to life because we believe when we center Black and other diverse voices, we reflect back the power of our global community.”
“The fund – now officially named the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund – will invest with an intention: to present fresh narratives that emphasize the intellectual power, authenticity, dignity and joy of Black voices, as well as to educate audiences about racial justice. Today, we are excited to announce five YouTube Originals from the fund.”
The announcement came with information about a variety of new shows.
For example, Resist is a “documentary series follows the grassroots work of multicultural/intersectional organizations fighting the Los Angeles county’s $3.5 billion jail expansion plan in 2018 and examines the issues of cash bail, unlawful arrest, over-policing of Black and brown neighborhoods, and mass incarceration.”
Barbershop Medicine is a series that will explore the impact race and socioeconomic status have on healthcare and longevity.
Along with various series, YouTube Originals programming will air include shows like HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me On the Yard, and Bear Witness: Take Action part II. This episode will feature creators in the Black community producing short-form content to showcase their perspectives and experiences on racial inequity.
Shows will begin streaming on October 20 and will continue to premiere through 2021.