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.


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…

African American Higher Education

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…

19th Century Black Discoveries

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…

The Beginning of Black History: Juan Garrido | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

The Beginning of Black History: Juan Garrido

In the early 1500s, a West African man named Juan Garrido joined the ranks of Spanish explorers who ventured out in hopes of discovering…

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…

History of the Black Soldier

The History of the Black Soldier

Black soldiers have been an instrumental part of the armed forces since the Civil War. They put their lives on their line for their country…