We believe that Black stories matter. That is why we created the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund, a global, multi-year commitment to center and grow Black creators and artists on our platform, as well as to produce and acquire new YouTube Original programs, focusing on racial justice and Black experiences. As part of this Fund, we developed the #YouTubeBlack Voices grant program -- an initiative dedicated to equipping and amplifying Black creators and artists with the resources to succeed on our platform.
We’re building on that momentum, and today, after many months of collaboration, we are shining a spotlight on the #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021 -- a group of 133 creators and artists whose talents are as diverse as their hometowns. Hailing from the United States, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, and Nigeria, this incredible group includes musicians, beauty entrepreneurs, comedians, activists, poets, personal trainers, teachers, parents, photographers, and more. We are honored that they have chosen to partner with us as the inaugural class of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund. In the coming months, we will work closely with the Class of 2021 to help them grow on our platform. This will include dedicated partner support from YouTube and seed funding for the development of their channels. They will also participate in bespoke training, workshops, and networking programs.