YOUTUBE UK Managing Director Ben McOwen Wilson has told the Voice that he is ‘proud’ to be working with the likes of Dr Amina and Ken and Mary Okoroafor who are just two of the cohort that will partner with the platform as part of  #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021.

I couldn’t see anyone that looked like me, talking about the things I was passionate about and so, my channel was born

Dr Amina

This morning YouTube announced the names of the first class of British creators who will be receiving support and resources they need to help them succeed on the platform as part of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund – a global, multi-year commitment to uplifting Black creators and artists on the platform.

The program covers a diverse range of vocations including musicians, comedians, activists and teachers. Each platform will benefit from dedicated partner support from YouTube and seed funding invested into the development of their channels, as well as bespoke training, workshops and networking programs.

The plan will see direct investment in over 500 creators and artists globally to support and fund their channels and content development. YouTube want to measure success over the long-term, sustaining success of the artists and creators.

Wilson said: “I’m excited and proud that this incredible array of black, British talent has chosen to partner with us as part of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021.

“As a platform that brings together communities from all around the world it’s more important than ever that we amplify different perspectives, helping people do more to support and celebrate the creative diversity of modern Britain.

“We are committed to promoting the incredible creativity and storytelling of the voices of our black creators, supporting them in their creative development and in building a thriving career on our platform and beyond.”

By day Dr Amina is a scientist, lecturer and teacher based in London. By night she creates YouTube videos to help students graduate and to diversify the face of academia.

As one of the platforms benefitting from the YouTube partnerships she enthused: “I created my channel, Dr Amina Yonis, in 2016 to share and inspire others through my education, experience and travel.

“I couldn’t see anyone that looked like me, talking about the things I was passionate about and so, my channel was born. 

“I take pride in my love for education. I am a graduate from four British universities, including King’s College, Imperial College and University College London. Over the last decade in higher education,

“I’ve taught, mentored and supported hundreds of students through their academic journey. I hold a PhD in Cell and Cancer Research, from which I graduated in 2018; I was involved in researching cell movement, cell shape and the components that drive cell division.

“Thanks to the nature of my work, I travel for conferences and collaborative work. I also have the travel bug so find any opportunity to explore the world.

“One of my greatest achievements includes founding an educational consultancy called The Page Doctor, whereby I help students with all their academic needs, from university application to essay proofreading.

“The launch of The Page Doctor stemmed directly from responding to the needs of my subscribers and supporters on YouTube.

“I pushed my boundaries to develop a business with the following mission statement:  Building a world where everyone has access to support to feel accomplished and successful throughout their academic career.

“I love the community that I have built on and off YouTube and I am excited to continue building and to impact thousands of more individuals in the years to come.”

She added: “Creating content on YouTube has provided me with a platform to showcase the diversity within academia, inspiring the next generation of Nobel Prize laureates. The YouTubeBlack Voices award is a celebration of my online community. It will support, enhance and help amplify my voice; I am excited for what’s to come.”

Ken and Mary Okoroafor of The Humble Penny and Financial Joy Academy started creating their YouTube channel in the Summer of 2019.

They wanted to create actionable Personal Finance content to demystify money and help their community to use money as a tool to design their lives.

They enthused: “We’re excited to be supported by the #YouTubeBlack Voices Creator Fund. As black creators in the Personal Finance niche in the UK, we’re committed to helping families achieve significant progress in their financial lives.

“With millions of black families held back by racial and financial inequalities, we’re going to use the fund to better educate and tell more powerful stories of gradual financial progress in our community.

“We’ll also shed light on the information that will help us, as a country, open up to systemic issues that hold black families back so we can encourage open conversations, build trust and encourage more action from policy makers.”

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