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.


Jackie Robinson Integrates Baseball | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

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…

Integrating Wall Street

Integrating Wall Street

In 1972, Vernon Jordan became the first Black person to sit on a corporate board in the United States. As a result of his presence, he…

John Lewis: The Fight for the Right to Vote | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

John Lewis: The Fight for the Right to Vote

In 1963, John Lewis’ excitement would meet his life’s purpose when he joined the Civil Rights Movement. He is now known as one of the…

Ida B. Wells: Fearless Investigative Reporter of Southern Horrors

Ida B. Wells: Fearless Investigative Reporter of Southern Horrors

Born into slavery as Ida B. Wells in 1862, she was a pioneer of modern investigative journalism during the Reconstruction Era. Wells called…

Abolition in the North: Elizabeth Freeman Sues for Freedom

Abolition in the North | Elizabeth Freeman Sues for Freedom

Many people recognize the passage of the 13th Amendment as an end to slavery in the south. However, slavery was commonplace in all 13…

Poor People's Campaign

Poor People’s Campaign

In 1967, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. expanded the Civil Rights Movement by creating a sweeping economic and healthcare care…