A new cohort of emerging content creators have been selected for the second edition of Hoorae and Walmart’s “Black and Unlimited” digital development program.
The program aims to provide content creators from diverse backgrounds with the necessary resources, membership and exposure to “unlock their full potential and pave their way to success.”
The new class will receive a $10,000 stipend to help them focus on limitless discovery and creation. The group will make the trip to Los Angeles to participate in a weekend workshop where they will explore their niches and then will have the opportunity to work with Walmart to create exclusive content throughout the year.
Eight creators were selected to participate in this year’s cohort: Chyanna Antonio (Washington, D.C.), Jamal Moore (Upper Marlboro, Md.), Nya Étienne (Washington, D.C.), Luv (Boston, Mass.), Darryl Wyrick (Phoenix, Ariz.), Bashel Lewis (New York, N.Y.), Lachelle Smith (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Georgina Edionseri (Newark, N.J.).
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“Through this initiative, we hope to discover and support talented creators who have been underrepresented in the industry,” stated Monique Francis, Hoorae’s head of marketing, in a press release announcing the new cohort. “We believe that by providing necessary resources and opportunities, we can help them succeed and make a lasting impact in the media landscape.”
The “Black and Unlimited” program, which launched in 2022, is just the latest effort to improve equity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry by both Walmart and Hoorae, the Issa Rae-led media company. D.J. Vaughn, Walmart’s director of multicultural media partnerships, noted that after seeing the positive impact on the inaugural class of creators, it was important for program to return — and their collaboration to continue — for a second edition.
“In partnership with HOORAE, we have the unique ability to connect creators with resources and tools they may not have access to otherwise, so they can thrive in their field,” Vaughn explained. “We see huge potential in continuing to grow this program and look forward to continued success in year two.”