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.


John Lewis: The Fight for the Right to Vote | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

John Lewis: The Fight for the Right to Vote

In 1963, John Lewis’ excitement would meet his life’s purpose when he joined the Civil Rights Movement. He is now known as one of the…

Convict Leasing | Black History in Two Minutes

Convict Leasing

Although the 13th Amendment passed the Senate in 1864 and the House in 1865, the loopholes that exist continue to wreak havoc on the…

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…

The Movement and Campus Violence

The Movement and Campus Violence

College campuses became integral in the quest for social reform in the 1960s. With large numbers of Black students already present,…

Obama's 2008 Election | Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

Barack Obama’s 2008 Election

During the 2004 Democratic National Convention, a first-term senator named Barack Obama from Illinois delivered a speech that exuded…

Separate But Equal: Homer Plessy and the Case That Upheld the Color Line

Separate But Equal: Homer Plessy and the Case That Upheld the Color Line

In June of 1882, a 30-year-old shoemaker by the name of Homer Plessy of New Orleans led a revolution that aimed to overturn Jim Crow…