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.


Affirmative Action | Black History in Two Minutes

Affirmative Action

President Lyndon B. Johnson made it clear that a shift was greatly needed in America. No longer could we preach about a land of…

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…

Booker T. Washington | Black History in Two Minutes

Booker T. Washington

In 1872, Booker T. Washington traveled 500 miles on foot to the Hampton Institute in Virginia. That journey, in turn, laid the foundation —…

Civil War and Emancipation | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Civil War and Emancipation

In 1861, the south’s threats of seceding the union led to the start of the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln’s primary goal was to…

Double V Campaign | Black History in Two Minutes

The Double V Campaign of World War II

The Double V Campaign was launched by a prominent black newspaper, the Pittsburgh Courier, in 1942. The campaign came in response to buzz…

The Fisk Jubilee Singers: Perform the Spirituals and Save Their University

The Fisk Jubilee Singers: Perform the Spirituals and Save Their University

Fisk University was founded in Nashville, Tenn. in 1866. As an institution for African-American students, their first years of inception…