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.


Congressional Black Caucus

Congressional Black Caucus

In this episode of Black History In Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. we celebrate a group of Black congressional leaders…

Black Power | Black History in Two Minutes

Black Power

In 1965, one of the last traceable remnants of Jim Crow ideology were thought to be taken off the books with the passage of the Voting…

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…

The GI Bill of Rights

The GI Bill of Rights

From the inception of the United States, Black soldiers have answered the call to serve on the front lines. And in 1944, the US government…

Abolition in the North: Elizabeth Freeman Sues for Freedom

Abolition in the North | Elizabeth Freeman Sues for Freedom

Many people recognize the passage of the 13th Amendment as an end to slavery in the south. However, slavery was commonplace in all 13…

Reconstruction: The Vote | Black History in Two Minutes

Reconstruction: The Vote

After the Civil War, the Reconstruction era brought about hope and change in the form of citizenship and equality in America. Black men…