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 Liberation and Womanist Theology

Black Liberation and Womanist Theology

James Cone, a highly regarded professor, preached about Black liberation at the center of the gospel. His elevated teaching not only…

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…

Elite Black Public High Schools in Jim Crow America

Elite Black Public High Schools in Jim Crow America

In November 1870, four Black students created their own safe space to study in a Washington D.C. church. That space would eventually become…

The Harlem Renaissance | Black History in Two Minutes

The Harlem Renaissance

With a Jim Crow south alive and well, many black Americans migrated north. This migration resulted in the formation of a creative urban hub…

The Harlem Hellfighters of WWI

The Harlem Hellfighters of World War I

After years of requesting an all-black unit in the National Guard, the governor of New York finally put the order into place. In January…

Hank Aaron: Breaking the Home Run Record | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Hank Aaron: Breaking the Home Run Record

Born Henry Louis Aaron, baseball legend Hank Aaron swung his way into the history books in 1974. While the Atlanta Braves enjoyed the…