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.


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…

Jackie Robinson Integrates Baseball | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Jackie Robinson Integrates Baseball

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson tore down the color barrier and became the first black baseball player to play in the Major League…

The Birth of JazzAffirmative Action | Black History in Two Minutes

The Birth of Jazz

Born in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, jazz made its way onto the scene. With African-Americans at the helm, the red-light district…

Madame C.J. Walker: The First Black Millionairess

Madame C.J. Walker: The First Black Millionairess

One of the pioneers of the hair care industry is an African-American woman named Sarah Breedlove. After becoming a widow at the age of 20,…

The Great Migrations | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Migrations: From Exodusters to Great Migrations

With the formal ending of slavery in place, many freed black people saw this as an opportunity to start anew. But, for those in the south,…

Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass | The Most Photographed American of the 19th Century

Born into slavery as Frederick Douglass in 1818, this renowned lecturer and author would become one of the greatest public speakers of his…