YouTube Announces Special ‘Black Renaissance’

YouTube Originals has announced “Black Renaissance,” a new special premiering Friday, February 26 on the YouTube Originals Channel. The celebration will feature President and Mrs. Obama, Jason Reynolds, Killer Mike, Desus Nice & The Kid Mero, Jemele Hill, artist Shantell Martin, and a performance by Tobe Nwigwe. More names to be announced soon.

The logline: Black art and culture have defined the American experience. “Black Renaissance” will showcase the Black creators, artists, writers, storytellers, and history makers who have shaped our nation’s history; and the next generation of Black voices who are reimagining our future. This special will feature dance, music, fashion, photography, literature, Afrofuturism, and the art of Black Women and LGBTQ+ artists.

“People come to YouTube as a place to learn and connect. This Black History month we wanted to continue meeting this challenge which I believe has never been more important,” said Nadine Zylstra, Head of Learning, Impact, Kids & Families for YouTube Originals. “By choosing art as the lens to further explore Black history, we hope to inspire our audience to continue embracing Black culture in all its various forms.”

“Black Renaissance” was created in partnership with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Howard University Graduate Film Program, and NAL Media. Vignettes by young filmmakers Raafi Rivero (an alumni of Howard University’s Graduate Film Program) and Naomi Merlan (Howard University) will be featured in the show. The show is Executive Produced by Jason Reynolds, Leah Harper Lane, and Guy Carrington; Co-Executive Producers are Kristen Wong, Dave Schilling, and Clover Hope; Music Director is Pauli Lovejoy.