Youtube to amplify black creators’ voice, launches $100 million fund initiative

Youtube CEO, Susan Wojcicki, anounced on Thursday 11th June 2020 via Youtube blog that the site would launch $100 million fund to amplify and develop the voices of black creators and artists and their stories.

According to her, “Bear Witness, Take Action,” which would be aired on Saturday at 6 p.m. EST would be the first program in the series.

She added that the purpose of the fundraising is to “bring together creators, artists, influential public figures and prominent activist voices for roundtable discussions and musical performances.”

“A Conversation About Race in America” an ad released by Youtube on Thursday basically for this initiative would feature figures like John Legend, Roxane Gay, Youtubers and activists.

The ad also features innocent black Americans like Botham Jean, Eric Garner, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, who died at the hands of police officials.

It was also stated that proceeds from the program would be used to fund the Equal Justice Initiative, which struggle to protect the human right of vulnerable people by seeking an end to illegal detainment and excessive punishment.

Additionally, on its site’s Spotlight channel, Youtube would be bringing into light racial justice issues, together with educational videos, coverage of BLACK Lives Matter protests, and several other issues.

Speaking about the commitment of the company to protect black users, creators from all forms of racial contents, Wojcicki said, “We will work to ensure Black users, artists, and creators can share their stories and be protected from hateful, white supremacist, and bullying content.”

“I’m committed to listening — to Black employees at YouTube, to Black creators, to Black artists, to leaders in the Black community, and to Black users who tune in to YouTube every day,” added Wojcicki.

Youtube announcement is coming at the time other tech giants are making the same move to fight racial inequality following the death of George Floyd who died at the hand of a police official who knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutues.

For instance, Apple recently commited $100 million to its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative on Thursday.

Also, Google last week pledged $10 million to organizations addressing racial inequities, while Amazon has also donated $10 million to social justice organizations.