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.


1893 World's Fair

The 1893 World’s Fair

The 1893 World Fair took place in Chicago, Illinois, welcoming countries from around the world to feature their contributions for everyone…

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…

Poor People's Campaign

Poor People’s Campaign

In 1967, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. expanded the Civil Rights Movement by creating a sweeping economic and healthcare care…

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…

The Movement and Campus Violence

The Movement and Campus Violence

College campuses became integral in the quest for social reform in the 1960s. With large numbers of Black students already present,…

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…