Black AF History

The Un-Whitewashed Story of America

By: Michael Harriot

Narrated by: Michael Harriot

From acclaimed columnist and political commentator Michael Harriot, a searingly smart and bitingly hilarious retelling of American history that corrects the record and showcases the perspectives and experiences of Black Americans.

America’s backstory is a whitewashed mythology implanted in our collective memory. It is the story of the pilgrims on the Mayflower building a new nation. It is George Washington’s cherry tree and Abraham Lincoln’s log cabin. It is the fantastic tale of slaves that spontaneously teleported themselves here with nothing but strong backs and negro spirituals. It is a sugarcoated legend based on an almost true story.

It should come as no surprise that the dominant narrative of American history is blighted with errors and oversights—after all, history books were written by white men with their perspectives at the forefront. It could even be said that the devaluation and erasure of the Black experience is as American as apple pie.

In Black AF History, Michael Harriot presents a more accurate version of American history. Combining unapologetically provocative storytelling with meticulous research based on primary sources as well as the work of pioneering Black historians, scholars, and journalists, Harriot removes the white sugarcoating from the American story, placing Black people squarely at the center. With incisive wit, Harriot speaks hilarious truth to oppressive power, subverting conventional historical narratives with little-known stories about the experiences of Black Americans. From the African Americans who arrived before 1619 to the unenslavable bandit who inspired America’s first police force, this long overdue corrective provides a revealing look into our past that is as urgent as it is necessary. For too long, we have refused to acknowledge that American history is white history. Not this one. This history is Black AF.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Michael Harriot (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Was everything I expected and more.

Michael is an amazing storyteller and writer. His sense of humor is one of a kind. He holds your attention while tying his humor and history together. I’ve learned so much. Thank you so much for your research storytelling.

Speaking truth to POWER!

Educational, informative and Enlightening. Very much enjoyed historical context with humor… easy to follow and stay attentive

ONE of the most powerful things about BLACK AF HISTORY IS EVERY.SINGLE.WORD.OF.ITS.NARRATIVE

I Hope everyone gets to read Michael Harriet’s tour de force of a people, a place, and a time. Pick your time-of-primary-interest; past, present and or future; your curiosity will be abundantly satisfied and piqued. For me both occurred simultaneously; this met I had to give the historical narrative my full attention. I found myself needing to make notes and take time after hearing about half of each chapter to think about what I had read. For mein the FALL OF 2023 ,with proxy “HUMPTY-DUMPTYS” falling all day every day( tragic, frustrating, and depressing) BLACK AF HISTORY was a healing balm and motivational therapy for this 64 year-old Black gay male still grappling with the loss/disappearances of one too many elder family members from 2016 to present day. Thank YOU AND Please keep writing and speaking, Mr. HARRIOT!

It was everything I needed and more

After having listen to Michael Harriot for multiple years as a spoken, word, artist and writer, this book did not disappoint! Michael’s combination of in-depth research, comedic, cultural references and infusion of hip-hop, and R&B into the performance of this book is masterful. You find yourself laughing, and crying within the span of one chapter because of the harsh reality of the truth and the beauty with which, he shares it. Do yourself a favor and listen to this book. Thank you, Michael.

The best read ever

If you aren’t a reader or if you are like myself that reads hundreds of titles a year. This the one that should be on the shelves of every home both black and white and beyond. This really is the true untold story that we all must read.
The style is so fitting for this time we are currently living in. Thank you so much for this gift of history.

Fantastic AF!!

This was edutainment and I’m so glad I read it. I will be reading (listening) again and again and sharing it broadly to all who will listen! Michael Harriot as black people say… You Did That!!!

Life Enhancing!!

This is a phenomenal account of Black Africans in America. Michael Harriet’s recounting of historical facts interwoven with family anecdotes and humor is a master class for anyone desires of a deeper understanding of American history.

a must-add to Florida's high school curriculum....

and indeed the nation's!

Cicero is credited with stating, "Not to know what happened before you were born is to always be a child." Black AF history gives the national discourse a golden opportunity to grow up.

At once engaging and jaw dropping, the book is a master class in learning the importance of perspective in gaining a deeper understanding of history. But no class I ever attended was so much fun!

True American History

True American History from the voice of a sassy Black American. This audible narrator gives the story authenticity.

REQUIRED READING!!!

This book ‘fills in the blanks’ of what was learned in school and since about our history.