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.


Affirmative Action | Black History in Two Minutes

Affirmative Action

President Lyndon B. Johnson made it clear that a shift was greatly needed in America. No longer could we preach about a land of…

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…

Birth of Modern Gospel Music

Chicago Sound: The Birth of Modern Gospel

As Black families left the South, their migration allowed them to bring their religion and musical practices along with them. But it would…

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…

Free Black Americans

Free Black Americans Before the Civil War

Even though slavery ended in the 1860s, free Black Americans made up 10% of the United States Black population. While the rest of the…

1893 World's Fair

The 1893 World’s Fair

The 1893 World Fair took place in Chicago, Illinois, welcoming countries from around the world to feature their contributions for everyone…