YouTube Pledges $100 Million Fund To Support Black Creators
YouTube has announced that they will donate $100 million to support Black creators following the recent Black Lives Matter protest.
Susan Wojcicki, YouTube CEO, sent creators a letter saying, “Today, we’re announcing a multi-year $100 million fund dedicated to amplifying and developing the voices of Black creators and artists and their stories.”
According to the letter Youtube will be hosting the Bear Witness, Take Action livestream, on 13 June. The livestream will showcase discussions on race relation in America and performances from creators, artists, and influential public figures. The letter also pledges to hold people accountable for racist commentary and how they plan to protect their community.
“…Over the past few weeks, we’ve grieved together as the Black community has endured more senseless acts of racial terror and violence… We know that for many, tragedies like these are a persistent reminder of the harm caused by systemic racism. They also compound the toll of the pandemic, which disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities in the U.S. and abroad… Going on to say that YouTube believes Black Lives Matter, she added: ‘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,” she wrote.
The Black Lives Matter campaign was also endorsed by YouTube creators like Jackie Aina, Marques Brown, David Dobrik and Logan Paul, who have spoken out, signed signatures and contributed.
