black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Black History in Two Minutes (or so) is the new way to immerse yourself in Black History. The digital video series features dozens of short, engaging and factually accurate videos about important historical events or people who have shaped American history. Like never before, people of all ages, backgrounds and educational levels can learn more about the African American experience.

Launched in 2019 by visionary Executive Producer Robert F. Smith, who is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, the media platform has covered topics from the beginning of American history to the present day. To ensure historical accuracy, the episodes are well researched and narrated by renowned historian and Executive Producer, Henry Louis Gates Jr. Teaching guides for educators also accompany some of the episodes, affording teachers the ability to incorporate the information from the videos, and the videos themselves, into their lessons.

As an award-winning series, Black History in Two Minutes has received numerous accolades, including two Webby Awards in 2020, 2 more in 2021 and yet again, 1 more in 2022.

Check out some of the episodes for yourself below.


Marcus Garvey | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Marcus Garvey: Leader of a Revolutionary Global Movement

Marcus Garvey was born in Jamaica and experienced the impacts of colonization at the hands of the British. As a result, he developed a…

The Harlem Hellfighters of WWI

The Harlem Hellfighters of World War I

After years of requesting an all-black unit in the National Guard, the governor of New York finally put the order into place. In January…

The Black Church

The Black Church

Religion as we know it infiltrated the black community during slavery. While the objective leaned on pacifying slaves, black people rose…

Reconstruction: The Vote | Black History in Two Minutes

Reconstruction: The Vote

After the Civil War, the Reconstruction era brought about hope and change in the form of citizenship and equality in America. Black men…

The 15th Amendment

The 15th Amendment was a monumental piece of legislation that gave Black men the right to vote. As a result of it, over 2,000…

Oscar Micheaux: The First Black Indie Filmmaker | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Oscar Micheaux: The First Black Indie Filmmaker

Transitioning from job to job as a teenager, Oscar Micheaux was able to write a story that was inspired by his experience on a farm. The…