Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America―The New York Times Bestselling Retelling of US History Through the Experiences of Black Americans

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEE * desertcart'S TOP 20 HISTORY BOOKS OF 2023 * B&N BEST OF EDUCATIONAL HISTORY * THE ROOT'S BEST BOOKS OF 2023 * CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2023 From acclaimed columnist and political commentator Michael Harriot, a searingly smart and bitingly hilarious retelling of untold 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 the hidden history and 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 vital work of African American history 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. A Corrective History: Go beyond the whitewashed mythology of pilgrims and cherry trees. This book reframes the American story by placing the experiences of Black Americans squarely at the center. Biting Political and Social Commentary: With the searing wit and provocative humor he’s known for, Michael Harriot speaks hilarious truth to oppressive power and subverts conventional narratives. Meticulously Researched: Grounded in primary sources and the work of pioneering Black historians, scholars, and journalists, this is not just a retelling—it’s a reclamation of the truth. Untold Stories: Discover the African Americans who arrived before 1619, the unenslavable bandit who inspired America’s first police force, and other little-known figures and events erased from traditional history books. Review: I felt inspired, enraged, enlightened, and proud all in one reading experience! - Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America is an absolute powerhouse of insight, humor, and truth. From the very first page, I was hooked. This book does something remarkable—it takes the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Black Americans and presents them with unapologetic honesty, wit, and clarity. It is informative, entertaining, and deeply thought-provoking all at once. The way the author weaves history together is both engaging and eye-opening. Every chapter is packed with lesser-known facts, critical perspectives, and cultural context that challenge the sanitized versions of history most of us were taught in school. I loved how the book blends storytelling, humor, and cultural commentary. It educates while keeping you laughing and thinking at the same time. What makes this book truly special is the voice. It is bold, unfiltered, and empowering. It makes you feel connected to the people behind the history, their resilience, creativity, and influence on American culture. It also prompts reflection on systemic injustices and the ways history has been shaped to obscure the contributions and experiences of Black communities. I felt inspired, enraged, enlightened, and proud all in one reading experience. Overall, Black AF History is a must-read for anyone who wants a deeper, more authentic understanding of America. It is thorough, entertaining, and unforgettable. Whether you are new to Black history or already familiar, this book offers fresh insights and a perspective that demands attention. I cannot recommend it highly enough—it is bold, educational, and one of the most engaging history books I have ever read. Review: The part “history” fails to tell - History is written by the winners, as they say. So it was revelatory and entertaining to read this book that takes on the myths, omissions and distortions of our nation’s white-centered history and exposes the rest of the story. Harriott is a gifted, in-your-face writer who has a very easy-going, fun to read style. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed his perspective and deeply researched treatment of what could have been a “woe is me” topic. Kudos, Mr. Harriott. Well done!