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.
Freedman’s Bank
In 1865, after the north won the Civil War, the government opened the Freedman’s Bank. This institution was geared towards nearly four…
Black Greek-Letter Organizations
While more Black students sought formal education in a university setting they formed their own Black Greek-Letter Organization aimed at…
Maya Angelou: 20th Century Renaissance Woman
Maya Angelou, who was born Marguerite Annie Johnson; April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014) was an American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil…
Chicago Sound: The Birth of Modern Gospel
As Black families left the South, their migration allowed them to bring their religion and musical practices along with them. But it would…
Jackie Robinson Integrates Baseball
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson tore down the color barrier and became the first black baseball player to play in the Major League…
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…