In an effort to foreground the talents of black creatives to a greater degree, YouTube has established a $100 million fund that will support the development of original content that centralizes the black community. In a statement, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki said,
“At YouTube, we believe black lives matter and we all need to do more to dismantle systemic racism. We’re committed to doing better as a platform to center and amplify black voices and perspectives.”
The new, multiyear content initiative will commence with the YouTube Original, “Bear Witness, Take Action.” Hosted by Keke Palmer and Common and slated to air on June 13 at 6:00 p.m. ET, the digital event seeks to raise awareness about institutional racism while raising funds to support anti-racist causes. “Bear Witness, Take Action” will feature discussion panels and roundtables as well as musical tributes including performances from John Legend and Trey Songz, among other artists.
Throughout June, YouTube will also share historical videos and coverage of the nationwide protests. “This content showcases incredibly important stories about the centuries-long fight for equity, Wojcicki said.
H/T: YouTube Blog
Featured image: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg
Make no mistake—dance music is born from black culture. Without black creators, innovators, selectors, and communities, the electronic dance music we hold so dear would simply not exist. In short, dance music is deeply indebted to the global black community and we need to be doing more. Black artists and artists of color have played a profound role in shaping the sound and culture of dance music and now more than ever, it is necessary for everyone in the music community to stand up for the people that have given us so much. Dancing Astronaut pledges to make every effort to be a better ally, a stronger resource, and a more accountable member of the global dance music community. Black Lives Matter—get involved here:
National Lawyers Guild Mass Defense Program
Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Legal Defense Initiative