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 Tulsa Race Riots | Black Wall Street

The Tulsa Massacre | Black Wall Street

Fresh off an oil-boom, the black residents of Greenwood, Okla. built a booming community known as The Negro Wall Street. But in May 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…

School Racial Integration | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

School Integration

The landmark case Brown v. Board of Education declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. However, for most…

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…

Soul Train | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Soul Train

Taking cues from American Bandstand, Soul Train became a black cultural phenomena. Created and hosted by Don Cornelius, a Chicago radio…

Jesse Jackson's Presidential Run (1984)

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…