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.


The Black Church

The Black Church

Religion as we know it infiltrated the black community during slavery. While the objective leaned on pacifying slaves, black people rose…

Maya Angelou: 20th Century Renaissance Woman

Maya Angelou: 20th Century Renaissance Woman

Maya Angelou, who was born Marguerite Annie Johnson; April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014) was an American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil…

Black Feminism | Black History in Two Minutes

Black Feminism

Black women and their commitment to freedom and equality has often been minimized in history books. However, with black women standing at…

Segregated Travel During Jim Crow

Segregated Travel in Jim Crow America

Jim Crow’s separate but equal not only impacted restaurants and schools, but it also led to the segregation of travel on buses. Black…

Land: Giving Rise to the Famous Phrase 40 Acres & a Mule | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Land: Giving Rise to the Famous Phrase 40 Acres & a Mule

The phrase “40 acres and a mule” — a promise to former slaves — would be hatched from this meeting. Unfortunately, President Andrew Johnson…

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…