YouTube has announced the date they will start accepting applications for the Class of 2022 #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund. They launched the fund in 2021 to support and nurture diverse perspectives from the Black diaspora. Artists and creators from six countries were recipients of the fund. They participated in the three-week Black Voices Creator Fund Incubator camps to help them grow their YouTube channels. The sessions were lead by industry experts who gave training on technical aspects, monetization, media coaching and digital storytelling.Â
Yung Baby Tate released the video for “I Am,” Jabrils is producing an animated series, Ghanaian vlogger Vanessa Kanbi increased the production values of her show and The Humble Penny hired an editor. YouTube’s Music Africa month hosted virtual shows from Sho Madjozi, Sauti Sol and Fireboy DML.Â
The eligibility of the program has been extended to songwriters and producers. YouTube is partnering with 1500 Sound Academy to create 10 full scholarships to the Academy’s Live Online 1500 Music & Industry Fundamentals program and developing the Future Insiders program which reaches more than 180 at-risk and underserved youth aspiring to enter the music and creative industries.Â
YouTube is also committed to conversations about racial justice and offering multiple Black experiences through YouTube Originals projects including episodes of Glad You Asked, the third installment of Bear Witness, Take Action, the upcoming new series The Outsiders and Onyx Family Dinner. They recently aired  HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me On The Yard, Black Renaissance, Resist, Trapped: Cash Bail in America, A Day in the Live: Wizkid, and Bear Witness, Take Action 2.
Grant applications for the #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2022 will officially open on June 21, 2021.Â
