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.


Harriet Tubman | Black History in Two Minutes

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman is one of the greatest freedom fighters to exist. Enslaved and enraged, Tubman committed to not only freeing herself, but…

Ella Baker | Black History in Two Minutes

Ella Baker – ‘The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement’

After graduating from Shaw University, Ella Baker moved to New York City and began her career as a grassroots organizer. Joining the NAACP…

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)…

The GI Bill of Rights

The GI Bill of Rights

From the inception of the United States, Black soldiers have answered the call to serve on the front lines. And in 1944, the US government…

Convict Leasing | Black History in Two Minutes

Convict Leasing

Although the 13th Amendment passed the Senate in 1864 and the House in 1865, the loopholes that exist continue to wreak havoc on the…

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…