Exclusive: YouTube announces Black-focused content slate, including HBCU celebration, more
YouTube is announcing a global slate of new and returning projects dedicated to amplifying Black voices. The lineup, which USA TODAY can exclusively share, will includes stories focused on family dinners, colleges, racial justice and jail expansion.
In an interview with USA TODAY Tuesday, Malik Ducard, YouTube’s Vice President of Learning, Impact, Family, Film, TV & Health, explained some of the projects came directly from the officially-named "#YouTubeBlack Voices Fund," a $100 million fund meant to amplify Black voices and perspectives on YouTube over the course of the next few years.
"With these new resources, we really wanted to invest with intentionality," he said." We wanted to put our money behind creating and supporting fresh narratives that emphasize the intellectual power, authenticity, dignity and really the joy of Black voices."
He added that the aims is to also build empathy and understanding around issues of racial injustice in order to educate and "inspire action and dialogue."
Another important aspect of the fund, Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content for YouTube Originals, explained, is the directive to work with Black writers, producers, directors as well as Black-owned production companies.
"It won't just be about the talent on the screen, but it will be about the talent above the line and below the line," she said. "I think that's an important distinction and important opportunity that we're focused on."
Robert Kyncl, Chief Business Officer for YouTube, added he expects YouTube's work with Black creators including the fund will "help pave the wave for impact in other communities overall."
Here is a list of the new titles being added to the platform, when they're expected to be released and what they're about.
"Resist"
When: October 2020
What: A documentary series that follows the grassroots work of multicultural and intersectional organizations fighting Los Angeles county’s $3.5 billion jail expansion plan. The series includes Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors and more.
"HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me On The Yard"
When: Oct. 24
What: A 90-minute livestream in celebration of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation who have had to cancel their homecoming events due to the coronavirus pandemic. The virtual event, which will include musical performances and more, will act as a fundraiser for the United Negro College Fund and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
"Bear Witness, Take Action Part Two"
When: December 2020
What: A second part to the special previously hosted by Common and Keke Palmer, which aims to "inspire the platform’s global community to take action for racial justice."
"Onyx Family Dinner"
When: 2021
What: A series that brings together multi-generational family members for open conversations about life and current events over dinner that include weekly dinner guests to help "broaden the conversation with different perspectives."
"Barbershop Medicine"
When: 2021
What: A special that brings together musicians, physicians, creators and community members to explore "the impact race and socioeconomic status have on healthcare and longevity."
Other upcoming and returning titles that were developed prior to the fund's launch include: "Together We Rise" (now streaming), "Trapped: Cash Bail in America" (Oct. 12), "BookTube" (special episode premieres Oct. 22), "The Outsiders" (February 2021), "Glad You Asked Season 2" (February 2021) and "Lockdown" (new episodes premiere Nov. 19).
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