YouTube Unveils Resist, Barbershop Medicine And Other Series Focused On Amplifying Black Voices

YouTube has announced its first set of new and returning shows that are targeted at amplifying the voices of the Black community. The shows have stories which focus on racial injustice, jail expansion, family dinners and colleges.

Some of the shows are from the official #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund which was set up in June as part of the company’s initiative to help and protect the black community on its platform. This was after the death of George Floyd which also saw companies including Google, Amazon and Facebook making monetary commitments towards amplifying black voices and perspectives.

Here is a list of the shows that are about to be released and what they entail.

#1 HBCU Homecoming 2020: Meet Me On The Yard”

HBCU is a 90-minute live stream that will be released on October 24 to celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the US who had to cancel their homecoming events because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The stream will feature musical and other artistic performances. It will be used as a fundraiser for the United Negro College Fund and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

#2 Resist 

Resist is a 12-episode documentary series that talks about bail, injustice in policing and incarceration. It follows the works of organizations that have been fighting the Los Angeles county’s $3.5 billion jail expansion plan.

The documentary series includes Black Lives Matter co-founder, Patrisse Cullors and will be released in October.

#3 Bear Witness, Take Action Part Two

The first part of this special was previously hosted by Common and Keke Palmer and the second part will be released in December. The special aims to inspire YouTube’s global community to take action for racial justice.

#4 Onyx Family Dinner

This series is focused on family dinners and brings together family members from different generations for open conversations about life and current events. The discussions happen over dinner and include dinner guests who are invited weekly to help provide a different perspective that can expand the conversation.

The series will be released in 2021.

Suggested Read: Youtube to Tighten Child Protection Through Age-Gates Feature, But Would it Make Much Difference?

#5 Barbershop Medicine

This special explores the impact of race and socioeconomic status on healthcare and longevity of life. Barbershop Medicine explores the lives of musicians, creators, physicians and members of the YouTube community and will be released in 2021.

Six specials and series which are not part of the #YouTubeBlack voices fund are also expected. According to YouTube, they also focus on global Black experience and address racial justice. These include Glad You Asked, Trapped: Cash Bail in America, and a special episode of BookTube