More than 100 Black creators from around the world came together in Kenya for a raucous celebration to mark the success of the YouTube Black Voices Fund.
This initiative, which was started in 2020, was created to support emerging talent and amplify new stories that highlight the genuine voices of the Black community. Since its inception, the program has helped over 500 artists and creators grow their followings and diversify their distribution methods.
Telling tales
“We wanted to create a space where Black people can share their own stories, in their own voices, with the world when we announced the $100 million fund to amplify Black and African voices and perspectives on our platform. The fund has provided numerous opportunities in order to reach a global audience, we must “amplify, celebrate, and cultivate Black artistry,” according to YouTube’s managing director of Emerging Markets, EMEA, Alex Okosi.
I can honestly say that being a member of the BVF program Class of 2023 has changed my life. I switched from working in the room my sister and I shared to having my own space to create content. In order to improve the caliber of my videos, I was also able to purchase better filming tools like tripods and ring lights, says Nigerian creator Osereme Egbor of Styleby Reme.
In addition to funding, creators got one-on-one coaching and workshops on how to increase their earnings.
Expanded channels
The classes were very beneficial, according to Kenyan creator Wongel Zelalem, who also said, “I was assigned a strategic manager who was committed to helping me and giving me solutions to my problems. I didn’t know I needed that until it was too late.
