Mark Zuckerberg metaverse represents a $1 trillion-plus revenue opportunity for those who enter the space. Meta is assisting the Black community and the culture by actively participating in the creation and shaping of the metaverse, the outlet said.
The multinational technology conglomerate is currently focused on providing people with access to the next generation of technology.
For people from marginalized communities, fear of the unknown poses a barrier for entry into the techno world; particularly for Black people who have not had early access to new technology.
The metaverse’s Black History Month initiatives, which focus on augmented and virtual reality, are assisting in breaking down that barrier. The initiative works with Black thought leaders and creators from across the country to find new ways to weave Black culture, heritage, and creativity into the fabric of the metaverse, reported Forbes, in an Exclusive.
In Meta’s new Metaverse Culture Series — ‘Black Future’, Jay Ellis (from HBO’s Insecure) discusses the future of Black culture and creative storytelling with virtual reality (VR). The year-long initiative desires to foster a more equitable metaverse that prioritizes Black culture by providing improved technology access to underserved communities.
The Culture explored the star’s perspective as a Hollywood actor and producer looking to innovate the art of storytelling in the VR space.
His metaverse vision includes reimagining old, Black stories from American history; stories that have not been explored cinematically. In addition, it includes evolving traditional social media in which fans and actors interact and discuss pop-culture moments virtually.
In Horizon Worlds, Meta collaborated with emerging artist Gabe Gault to create a one-of-a-kind experience. His “I Am a Man” VR experience, created in honor of the Black History Month, delved into his interpretation of Afrofuturism in 1960s Memphis, revisiting key moments in American history.
Fans and the general public can participate in the experience for a limited period, from February 22nd.
In the in the metaverse, people can actually find a way to tell them, as well as a gamut of others, Ellis said. Exploring these storytelling possibilities within this world is eye-opening, he added.
Ellis describes his awe at the “I Am Man” experience. He feels Gault has carefully crafted the experience of the past into the future and honored it as well. Seeing the cultural reference point that most of the world has only seen in photographs was an experience he hopes everyone will enjoy.
Ellis emphasizes the importance of community and connection when it comes to Black people exploring VR opportunities. He believes that passion is another important factor that will pave the way for more Black creatives to enter the space.
For people who do not have access to tools and resources in their daily lives, Ellis recommends that they spend 20 minutes to an hour each day inside the metaverse to develop their passion.
