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 Great Migrations | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Migrations: From Exodusters to Great Migrations

With the formal ending of slavery in place, many freed black people saw this as an opportunity to start anew. But, for those in the south,…

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…

The Origins of Black Service Organizations

The Origins of Black Service Organizations

The contributions of Black Service Organizations in the volunteer and civic space have been around since the Revolutionary War. Out of…

Black Feminist Organizations

Black Feminist Organizations

While the Civil Rights Movement continued to spread across the US and the feminist movement evolved, one group felt neither movement really…

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…

Malcolm X – How Did He Inspire a Movement?

Malcolm X – How Did He Inspire a Movement?

After joining the Nation of Islam, Malcolm X became known as a human rights activist whose teachings led the charge of black progression…