Back in June, YouTube announced that it would be investing in Black content creators through grants drawing from a $100 million fund.

That fund now has a name, the YouTube Black Voices Fund and local creators can apply for a grant from today.

The goal of the fund according to managing director of emerging markets for YouTube in the EMEA region, Alex Okosi is to, “present fresh narratives that emphasise the intellectual power, authenticity, dignity and joy of Black voices, as well as to educate audiences about racial justice.”

The Black Voices Fund has already helped create new YouTube Originals from the likes of Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors and a series that tackles public health issues.

But YouTube is now focussed on assisting Black creators in the US, Brazil, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

“Our goal is to expand funding to more countries over the course of the next three years. Additionally, we hope to provide a consistent drumbeat of educational training, workshops, and community events to Black creators and artists globally,” said Okosi.

As we mentioned, applications are currently open and close on 22nd October at 02:00 CAT in the morning.

Applications can be submitted here.

This is great news for local content creators. As we learned earlier this year, there is a growing appetite for locally produced content and with backing from the likes of YouTube, we hope to see more local faces on the platform.

[Image – Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash]