In February 2024, YouTube is set to celebrate Black History Month with a series of initiatives designed to amplify and honor Black creators and storytellers. As Serena Watson, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at YouTube, emphasizes,
“Black History Month is a time to celebrate Black culture’s incredible richness and diversity.”
YouTube’s commitment to building a space where underrepresented creators can find their audience and tell their stories is more than just a month-long initiative; it’s a testament to the platform’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.
Spotlight on Diverse Creators
YouTube’s Black History Month community spotlight will feature incredible creators from all corners of the platform. The official YouTube channel will undergo a Black History Month takeover, showcasing “Creators to Know and Love” like Black Yogi Nico Marie, DIY by Niky Foster, and NBA 2K Gameplay creator Vladd Wavy.
To further honor these talents, YouTube is illuminating Sofi Stadium in their honor during February. Watson notes, “We’re committed to building a space where underrepresented creators can find their audience and tell their stories.”
Celebrating the Ballroom Community
A highlight of the month is the collaboration between YouTube and Creator @BALLROOMTHROWBACKS to host “Let’s Have a Ball,” an immersive Creator Collective event celebrating the vibrant ballroom community.
This event offers a platform for LGBTQ+ Black and Latino creators to express themselves boldly, showcasing the diverse and dynamic nature of the YouTube community.
Extending the Celebration Across Platforms
The celebration extends beyond YouTube itself. On social media, YouTube will spotlight the brilliance of the Black community via social-first evergreen content across @YouTube, @YouTubeCreators, and @YouTubeGaming handles.
Featured creators include ThatSavageKitchen and GameTimeKyle, utilizing Shorts to showcase their content. Additionally, YouTube TV joins the celebration by curating playlists that showcase the incredible spectrum of Black talent on TV, amplifying Black joy across genres.
Impact on Creators and the Platform
These initiatives by YouTube reinforce the platform’s role in promoting diversity and inclusivity.
For creators, especially those from underrepresented communities, this represents an opportunity to gain visibility and connect with broader audiences.
YouTube’s celebration of Black History Month in 2024 reflects the platform’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the empowerment of underrepresented voices.
As creators and viewers, we are invited to join in this celebration and discover the amazing stories and talents that shape our world.
