Grace Ashiru
YouTube said recently that it is now accepting submissions for the Black Voices Fund, Class of 2023.
The fund, which was established in the year 2020, celebrates and provides artists, black creators, producers, and song producers with the resources and assistance necessary to help them to prosper on YouTube.
Over three hundred individuals from countries as diverse as Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Kenya, the United States and Nigeria have been awarded grants from this program since its outset in the year 2020. These individuals have included personal beauty entrepreneurs, photographers, activists, poets, musicians, gamers, comedians, parents, comedians, personal trainers and more.
“The African creator network is filled to the brim with several talented, bright, passionate, and motivated creatives. It is a pleasure for us to provide these artists and great creators with further resources to match their desire.” At YouTube, we have prioritized encouraging the development of a wide range of voices, regardless of factors such as gender or colour.
Solafunmi Sosanya, YouTube Lead in Nigeria, said, “Over the past two years, we’ve been able to elevate the experiences and perspective of these diverse producers thanks to the Black Voices Fund.
The creators who are accepted into the program will get the financial support that will be put toward the expansion and improvement of their channels.
In addition, they will have access to specialized partner assistance and be allowed to participate in individualized networking events, training and workshops.
In addition to pledging $100 million for the YouTube Black Voices Fund, YouTube teamed up with community-based organizations to build a program called Future Insiders. This program is aimed specifically at underprivileged students and over 180 at-risk interested in a future in the creative and music profession.
Participants in the program attend seminars quarterly that cover topics such as career paths achieving success on YouTube, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and gaining access to thought leaders and talents.
One hundred thirty-three grantees from the United Kingdom, United States, Brazil, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Australia were a part of the 2021 BFV cohort. Additionally, 26 creators and artists from Africa were a part of this group.
Lasizwe Dambuza, a reality star and entertainer; Mitchelle Adagala, a personal trainer and health and wellness advocate; Sho Madjozi, a musician; and Tomike Adeoye, a TV presenter, entrepreneur, and actor; are a few of the continent’s notable alumni.
Africa is full of people with exceptional skills. As we keep investing in promoting Black creators, we can’t wait to see what incredible creators the next round of applications brings,” says Sosanya.
Black Voices Fund, or if you would want to apply, you can do so by visiting this website’s application page.
