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.


The Harlem Renaissance | Black History in Two Minutes

The Harlem Renaissance

With a Jim Crow south alive and well, many black Americans migrated north. This migration resulted in the formation of a creative urban hub…

Obama's 2008 Election | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Barack Obama’s 2008 Election

During the 2004 Democratic National Convention, a first-term senator named Barack Obama from Illinois delivered a speech that exuded…

Father Divine

Father Divine

As the nation dealt with the darkness of the Great Depression, a Black leader by the name of Father Major Jealous Divine (Father Divine)…

Shirley Chisholm – The First Black Congresswoman

Shirley Chisholm – The First Black Congresswoman

Shirley Chisholm is a political icon who paved the way for politics as we know it today. As an active participant for women’s rights and…

Freedman’s Bank | Black History in Two Minutes

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…

Negro League Baseball

The History of Negro League Baseball

Baseball is one of America’s staples that dates back to the 1800s. And while the culture of catchy tunes and snacks are shared from coast…