YouTubers from around the world have yet another chance to apply for the Black Voices Fund, an initiative spearheaded by the Google-owned platform aiming to empower creators.
The video-streaming platform set up the initiative in 2020 and has so far benefited over 300 grantees from the United States, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Nigeria.
Beneficiaries include musicians, beauty entrepreneurs, comedians, activists, poets, personal trainers, parents, photographers, gamers and other creators who use the platform to publish content for mass consumption.
“The African creator community is filled with so many talented, brilliant, passionate, and driven creatives.” Said Alex Okosi, YouTube Emerging Markets Managing Director. “We are honoured to equip these talented creators and artists with additional resources to match their drive. At YouTube, we’ve always tried to facilitate the rise of diverse voices, all-inclusive of gender and race. Through the Black Voices Fund, in the past two years, we have been able to amplify the perspectives and experiences of these diverse creators,”
Those selected for the granted benefit from a package that includes seed funding, access to exclusive sessions focused on production, community engagement, and wellbeing, specialized training, workshops and networking opportunities throughout the year as well as dedicated support from a YouTube partner manager.
YouTube said grantees selected for the 2023 cohort will be notified via email by October this year.
Last year, the BVF cohort enlisted 13 grantees, 26 of whom were from Africa. Kenyan creators who have benefited from the fund include Mandi Sarro, Wendy Angel Nangayo (Angel Lately), Justus Nandwa, and Cheyenne Chelimo who were part of the second cohort of the YouTube BVF Class of 2022.
“Africa is overflowing with incredible talent. We are excited to discover the amazing creators the next round of applications will bring with it as we continue to invest in the amplification of Black creators,” Okosi observed.
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