Black Renaissance | YouTube Originals

We are thrilled to announce that Unarmed has been included in the YouTube Originals special 'Black Renaissance', that 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. Anderson.Paak, and Stacey Abrams will also be part of the show.

The new special will be available on the YouTube Originals Channel and will showcase Black creators, artists, writers, storytellers, and history makers reflecting on the role Back art has played in our nation’s history; and the next generation of Black voices who are reimagining our future. 

From a recent article in The Hill: “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 filmmakers Raafi Rivero (an alumnus 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.

Black Renaissance is a part of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund that is designed to invest with intention and present fresh narratives that emphasize the intellectual power, authenticity, dignity and joy of Black voices, as well as to educate audiences about racial justice.