Black AF History

The Un-Whitewashed Story of America

By: Michael Harriot

Narrated by: Michael Harriot

Length: 15 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

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

My #1 pick of the year

I laughed and cried while learning. Thanks for writing my #1 out of 60 books I read. This book means a lot to me. I highly recommend it.

The Seasoning American History Needed

Michael Harriott seamlessly weaves anecdotes with undeniable facts to thoroughly illuminate the truths America chooses not to make self evident. The books contains lots of great info, not previously known to me (someone once called a consummate scholar of African American history).

Hey, Everybody!

Causes a lot of reflection. The historian myth perpetrators are probably scrambling, trying to discredit or redirect the truth. Also, I bet a lot of history students, after reading this book, are going to class looking at their professors "side eyed." I love the authors humor. I've recommended this book to more people than any other.

A must listen to

This audiobook Black AF History was so enlightening. It captivated me from beginning to the end so much that I bought the hard back book. This must go into my library so when my grandchildren are old enough, this will be one of their history books. Very well told.🙌🏾

I enjoyed it! A lot of information I didn't know.

I enjoyed this audiobook. Plus I am a fan of Michael Hartriot. It was the right balance of humor and facts. It inspired me to learn more. it's infuriating that school doesn't teach this.

Best Black History Teacher I Ever Had

The author’s humor along with his knowledge of Black/American history made this book a success. And if you’re black, you probably had an uncle Rob in your family.😂

BEST HISTORY BOOK EVER!

Excellent book and such a wonderful narration. It is a must read and should be required reading. I absolutely loved this book!!!

Project 1619 on Steroids

A must read for a true glimpse of Black History. Would be a great addition to Frontline on PBS.

The Truth

This is a must read for anyone who wants to know the truth. The book is written in the tradition of storytelling with an academic sternness.

Accurate history of America

This book is a must read for Black folks, who specifically need to know the truth about America! It certainly is not what most in America have been taught, not even close! The level of fiction taught in most American schools about her history, is surely to raise curiosity of why all the lies?!