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.


Black Liberation and Womanist Theology

Black Liberation and Womanist Theology

James Cone, a highly regarded professor, preached about Black liberation at the center of the gospel. His elevated teaching not only…

Black Woman Laborers

Black Women Laborers

After the Civil War, Black women recognized the opportunity to become wage workers and contributors to society. However, decent wages and…

Ella Baker | Black History in Two Minutes

Ella Baker – ‘The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement’

After graduating from Shaw University, Ella Baker moved to New York City and began her career as a grassroots organizer. Joining the NAACP…

The Birth of Hip Hop | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

The Birth of Hip Hop

In 1973, DJ Kool Herc set up his turntables and introduced a technique at a South Bronx house party that would change music as many people…

Mamie Till Mobley

The lynching of Emmett Till in 1955 became a pivotal point for race relations in the United States. Instead of sitting by silently, his…

Fort Mose: The First All-Black Settlement in the U.S. | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Fort Mose: The First All-Black Settlement in the U.S.

In this episode of Black History In Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from Hasan Jeffries of…