From content centered on fashion and wellness to videos about comedy and politics, Black creators and artists continue to play an important role in shaping the culture of YouTube and driving the platform forward every day. In 2020, YouTube created the YouTube Black Voices Fund, a global, multi-year commitment to center and grow Black creators and artists on their platform.

Additionally, they produce and acquire new YouTube Original programs, focused on racial justice and Black experiences.

As part of this Fund, they developed the YouTube Black Voices grant program. This is an initiative dedicated to equipping Black creators and artists with the resources to thrive on YouTube. Their first two classes have launched short films, topped Billboard charts, been nominated for and won Grammy Awards and so much more.

Start off your week with tech news recap and trending conversations in your inbox

Enter valid email-id

Subscribe

I prefer it on Telegram

YouTube has announced that the Black Voices Class of 2023 is here! This class has 179 grantees, hailing from around the world and innovating in every way. Meet the class below, including 11 Kenyans among the latest beneficiaries.

 #YouTubeBlackVoices 2023 Creator Class

1. 234 Drive |  234drive    
2. Agatha Nkirote |  Agatha Nkirote        
3. Banele Ndaba |   Moghelingz    
4. Caleb Orem |   Ruthless Focus      
5. Clarissa Magunde |  Coffeenomilk       
6. Dennis Akpan | Denixx Kreatives        
7. Eniola Olanrewaju | Korty Eo 
8. Happy Osereme Egbor |  Stylebyreme        
9. Gina Ehikodi Ojo |   Foodies And Spice
10. Ifeyinwa Mogekwu    Ify’s Kitchen
11. Izzi Boye |  Izzi Boye       
12. Joanne Wanja |  Diy With Jojo
13. Juliet Kane |  Kane’s Kitchen Affair
14. Kate Wanjiku |  Kate Kendy      
15. Kelechi Anyanwu |  Chantel Anyanwu        
16. Latifat Omowunmi Kilani |  Pot Of Flavours     
17. Louis Ihuefo |  Louis Ihuefo     
18. Maryam Apaokagi-Greene |  Taaooma’s Cabin   
19. Martin Kihara    African Real Estate      
20. Matlala Mokgehle |  Zillewizzy   
21. Millicent Mashile And Innocent Sadiki |  Centtwinz TV
22. Muzikayifani Sambo |  Muzi Sambo        
23. Mzwandile And Siza Ndlovu |  Mzwandile & Siza      
24. Olive Nkirote |  Onr       
25. Oluebube Belonwu | Bof Games        
26. Oluwafemi Olaniyan |  Femi Olaniyan        
27. Oyisa Matebese |  Ohsmallstuff    
28. Perseverance Maremeni |  Madam Speaker  
29. Reginald Mohlabi |  Reggie Mohlabi  
30. Seithati Letsipa    Seithati Letsipa    
31. Thulile Dlamuka |  Thuli Madlamuka       
32. Tokoni Iderima | Football Fans Tribe     
33. Tumelo Moliko |  Tumi Moliko   
34. Tsoanelo Moyo |  Tsoanieskits       
35. Sebastian Ngida |  Kenyan Entrepreneur
36. Segun Oladapo-Ogunsanya |  Kagan        
37. Solina Naidoo |  Perima’s Kitchen        
38. Sinikiwe Kademaunga |  Sinikiwe Kademaunga        
39. Susan Muriithi |  Suzyshomestead
40. Wongel Haile |  Wongel Zelalem

In the coming months, YouTube will work closely with these creators by offering dedicated partner support from YouTube and seed funding. They will also have opportunities to take part in bespoke training, workshops, and networking programs.