Archive: the original Black History in Two Minutes (or so) website, designed and distributed by AONE Creative LLC from 2019 to 2022. Not maintained by the series’ producers. Current episodes: blackhistoryintwominutes.com. About this archive

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 Feminism | Black History in Two Minutes

Black Feminism

Black women and their commitment to freedom and equality has often been minimized in history books. However, with black women standing at…

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 Woman's Club Movement

The Women’s Club Movement

Black women have been no stranger to organizing since America’s earliest inception. But it would be during the Reconstruction era that…

Land: Giving Rise to the Famous Phrase 40 Acres & a Mule | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Land: Giving Rise to the Famous Phrase 40 Acres & a Mule

The phrase “40 acres and a mule” — a promise to former slaves — would be hatched from this meeting. Unfortunately, President Andrew Johnson…

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…

Jack Johnson: Winner of the 1910's

Jack Johnson: Winner of the 1910’s ” Fight of the Century”

Jack Johnson entered the world ready to fight in the most non-conventional way. As the son of slaves, he worked many unskilled jobs, before…