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.
Jesse Jackson’s Run for the Presidency (1984)
In 1983, Reverend Jesse Jackson launched his bid for president of the United States. This announcement sparked excitement from people who…
Sojourner Truth: ‘Oprah’s No. 1 Black History Heroine’
Isabella Baumfree was born into slavery in the late 18th century. Despite this, she’d go on to prove that enslavement was only a state of…
The L.A. Riots
Despite footage of police officers beating the late Rodney King in 1991, justice, for many in South Central Los Angeles, was not served.…
African American Higher Education
Opportunities for freed black children to further their educational journey after high school were limited. As a direct response to minimal…
Congressional Black Caucus
In this episode of Black History In Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. we celebrate a group of Black congressional leaders…
19th Century Black Discoveries
Black innovators and creators have a long history of studying the framework and exploring new ways of advancing modern technology. Take…