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.


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…

The History of Black Farmers

Well before formal legislation was passed, promising freed slaves certain land rights, Black farmers traveled west, exploring, and…

The Clotilda

In 2019, researchers were able to properly authenticate the last known slave ship to enter the United States illegally. That ship, The…

First African American Patent Holders

First African-American Patent Holders

Black inventors have made significant contributions in the name of not only advancing the American brand, but by way of breaking down a…

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…

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,…