Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America

Written 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Sep 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9780358578406

Michael Harriot

Michael Harriot is a columnist at theGrio.com where he covers the intersection of race, politics, and culture. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, The Atlantic, NBC, BET, and on his mother’s refrigerator. He is a political commentator on MSNBC and CNN and has been honored by the National Association of Black Journalists for commentary, digital commentary, and TV news writing. Michael is the creator and cohost of the podcast Drapetomaniax: Unshackled History, produced in partnership with Pharrel's OTHERtone. His college course “Race: An Economic Construct” was adapted by university economics departments across the country as a model for teaching the combination of history, economics, politics, and class structures. 

Reviews for Black AF History

[Jonathan Mensah · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An amazing read that is backed by historical evidence and knowledge passed down through generations. They tried to erase us from history, I appreciate the work the author made to preserve our memories and impact on history. Thank you!

[David Slaton · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

God bless Mr. Harriot. He spent a great deal of time and energy researching this tome and pored himself into the project with zeal and fervor. Unfortunately he was every bit as guilty of bias against a race as he attributes to his adversary(ies) who are his villains here.

One can forgive much of his hypocrisy since he and many Black people have suffered greatly as a result of evil white racists (and, unfortunately, even from actions and/or inactions of other whites as well), While I appreciate Mr. Harriot bringing out the many instances that have so damaged the Blacks in America, I fault him for falling into the same mindset that he accuses all white Americans of possessing (directed in the opposite direction, of course.

In general, however, for the most part, I enjoyed the book and Mr. Harriot’s sense of humor and his personal/family anecdotes. Once I settled in to where he was coming frbom, I was able overlook the bigotry he himself was not able to disguise and get on with his book.

[Tasha Burrell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love Michael, this book was a breath of fresh air exposing the truth about history and being unapologetic about it. Ase'

[N. Stephens · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was the embodiment of edutainment. While dropping knowledge, Michael’s cultural jokes and euphemisms kept me LOL’ing. Well done!

[Thomas Arnold · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Should be required reading! I highly recommend this thought provoking book.

[dalsegnoalfine · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

How anyone can maintain that the Civil War was not about slavery and protecting the economy of the sounth is beyond me. In high school, I wrote a paper about the events leading up to it, back when we still had to go to the library and do some actual research. Details aside, the historical literature at the time agreed that protection of the slave economy was the main trigger. I'd say that 35 years later, we live in a post-truth world, but after reading this book, this appears to have been the case for centuries where black Americans are concerned. Be enlightened and entertained by this totally enjoyable and very relevant book!

[Sharon Traylor · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this well researched book. I would suggest all to read this one was great.

[Kirrena · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Worth every single minute. I learned more in this book and retained the information! Better than any of my k-12 years learning about American history.

[hannah · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Must read for any white person wanting to understand the race issue in America.

[c mahaf · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Bunch of anti white propaganda meant to divide all Americans

[Aleks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well founded and straight forward. The author's biting humour lightens the darkness of the subject, though it never allows the reader to go off track. The pain is still present. No washcloth in the world can make this history fair. If you prefer to keep riding the popular horse, this book is not for you, the deep holes of facts might shake you up. However, if you want to get history straight, read this book!

[Jonesha Drakes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The narration is second only to the story itself. Captivating, heart breaking, and inspiring. The history of Black people in America is THE history of America and it’s a task that the author takes in prideful stride.

[Katherine Jimison · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent job telling history through the black lense. Great job