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 Birth of JazzAffirmative Action | Black History in Two Minutes

The Birth of Jazz

Born in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, jazz made its way onto the scene. With African-Americans at the helm, the red-light district…

Lynching | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Lynching

Lynching was an action used to terrorize the black community for generations, with the first known public display of this injustice taking…

Maya Angelou: 20th Century Renaissance Woman

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…

Black Greek Letter Organizations

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…

Hank Aaron: Breaking the Home Run Record | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Hank Aaron: Breaking the Home Run Record

Born Henry Louis Aaron, baseball legend Hank Aaron swung his way into the history books in 1974. While the Atlanta Braves enjoyed the…

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…