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.


The Second Middle Passage | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

The Second Middle Passage

As the United States began to expand, the demand for cotton led to an increase of slave trades in the country. Eager to capitalize, slave…

The Roll Back

The Roll Back

America entered a special moment where freedom rang high and many of the promises of the constitution appeared to — in some ways — allow…

Fort Mose: The First All-Black Settlement in the U.S. | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Fort Mose: The First All-Black Settlement in the U.S.

In this episode of Black History In Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from Hasan Jeffries of…

Segregated Travel During Jim Crow

Segregated Travel in Jim Crow America

Jim Crow’s separate but equal not only impacted restaurants and schools, but it also led to the segregation of travel on buses. Black…

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…

Integrating Wall Street

Integrating Wall Street

In 1972, Vernon Jordan became the first Black person to sit on a corporate board in the United States. As a result of his presence, he…