Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America

Amazing, horrific, the real truth about America. I appriciate this book being written by a Black author. America loves to paint itself as the altruistic hero, and throughout my public school education I learned such a distorted version of US History. I've been deconstructing the white supremacy of America's roots, along with religion and this book really tells it like it is. I loved it. Thank you to the author. There are questions at the end of a lot of the chapters. They're pretty obvious answers (unless yr a yt supremist), and I believe that was intentional lol. I'd recommend this book to anyone. Everyone should read this book- it should be in every HS in the US, for every History class!

EYE OPENER! Best history book I’ve ever read.

Stop reading this review and go read the book.

Black AF History is an absolute powerhouse from start to finish. Bell Hooks’ storytelling is deeply personal yet profoundly universal—she unpacks generational trauma, resilience, and Pride with a voice that’s raw, honest, and illuminating.What I loved most: • Authentic storytelling: Hooks shares intimate family memories alongside broader historical context—her vivid recollections made me feel like I was right there with her. • Educational yet engaging: This isn’t just a memoir—it’s a lesson in American history through the lens of Black experience, told with clarity and purpose. • Emotional impact: I laughed, I teared up, and I reflected deeply on my own family history and identity.Whether you’re already familiar with Hooks or discovering her for the first time, this book is a vital read—rich in wisdom, warmth, and an unsparing truth about Black America.

So you are certain you aren’t racist?So you think you know history?You may not be quite as color blind as you think you are. And you may have held on to notions you have been raised to believe. But now is the time to grow up and find out for yourself what has really been going on from the beginning of this “great country”. Hopefully it gives you a better understanding of what other people have experienced and hopefully it changes things for all people. One person at a time - we can make a difference if we take time to see where we’ve gone wrong and not repeat those things that are wrong.

Mr. Harriot gives insight, context, and clarity into explaining how today’s America came into being. I highly recommend this book.

One of the best books I’ve read in a while. Interesting way to tell history.

It's a good and interesting book. I don't mind the curse words, they just made me laugh. Good take on what really went down in history.

This was a gift to someone else , I have one good learning

The things I learned in this book surprise me and make me want to learn more. I’m just waiting on the next book.

I am still reading this book, learning more about history and unlearning some lies. It is enlightening. You tell its author is a professor. Lots of footnotes and references so you can check out verity for yourself. Very good.

I really appreciated the way this was brown down and told the right way. Michael did a great job in breaking it down and telling the truth. This book should be read by everyone.

Very insightful and informative, every black child, adult or anyone who is interested in black American history should read this.

I have not started yet but I know it's going to be a good read......

I heard of “Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America” by Michael Harriot from a good friend of mine. It was his turn to choose a book for our book club and this was his choice.The title of the book tells you what the book is about. Michael gives a well-informed and well-researched version of Black history in a no frills manner. He mentions some popular events and figures while adding some lesser known facts to the story. He also brings up some relatively unknown historical events and figures that either make you feel dumb for not knowing the information before, or make you feel enlightened.I liked the book and I particularly liked Michael’s writing style that seems to be growing in popularity. Gone are the days of using $10 words and a writing style that makes subjects dull. If the object is to get a person to be interested, especially those who would ordinarily pass on reading a history book, of all things, then speaking an easily understood language is the surest way to attract a reader. Michael does just that while truly educating.

I absolutely enjoyed this book! I am a lover of history and a lover of reading. The author clearly did his research (and gave them as suggested reading at the end of the book)Harriot did an amazing job of making the narration feel conversational. He also did very well at introducing people of the African diaspora who have been lost in the Caucasian American narrative of American history. So many people of African descent played major roles in America's "discovery", exploration, colonization, building, liberation,....essentially WE BEEN along for the ride (willingly and unwillingly).It is a must read for all ethnicities and nationalities. But I particularly would love it if more European Americans would read it.

So, I just finished reading this Black AF History book and I am amazed at ALL of the rich and varied history that I never knew in my 66 years on earth! The author did an AMAZING job articulating his points with humor! Initially, I didn't care for the humor; however, we black folks have had to laugh to keep from crying! Thank you for a job WELL done! 🙏 Peace and blessings to you!

I discovered Michael Harriot through his Twitter snack downs and history lessons. He predates Derek the work wear guy in that respect. Like many "melanin-challenged" Americans I often look for new Black books in February to honor Black History Month. This year I decided to go nonfiction instead of my YA fantasy of the fall.This is a dense but highly readable book. Harriot cites his sources exhaustively and also adds humorous footnotes of his own. It's like having a sarcastic uncle narrating your reading.The story follows a mostly linear path pre-Columbus through slavery, the Civil War, Jim Crow, Civil Rights, and even Obama and Trump. There are fascinating stories of many heroes we should know and villains we should know better.While this never intends to be a textbook (despite Harriot's higher ed credentials) I took off a star because there were too many digressions into personal stories. Maybe he should write a family history or memoir next? There were certainly enough stories.

I can’t say enough about this book. I enjoyed the audible. Michael Harriot was hilarious. The book is well researched. I learned so many history facts. This book has me wanting to go back to college and obtain another degree. A degree in history. This book was fun to read. I laughed. I became angry and I cried. The shares his upbringing and the things that shaped him. As a fellow southerner (GA), the love he has for South Carolina is endearing.It is a truly a must read. If you care about learning true history this awesome book to have. Happy I purchased a copy for my bookshelf.

I have known about Mr. Harriot for years. He's been an amazingly funny and spot-on commentator on various social sites, and I knew he had some knowledge that I didn't have that he'd share as an extensive teaching article or thread.I was waiting for this book since the moment he announced it, and it does NOT disappoint.Now, I know a little about history, and I know a little about how "history" is invented by people choosing their ideas to support their biases, and I even know a little about the actual factual history we are not taught in schools or in popular culture & media. For example, the history *and meaning* of Haiti is essentially unknown in America, even though the events in Haiti (Black Africans destroying their own enslavement to create their own free republic? Heavens!) were a *significant* reason for the American government to clamp down on free speech, especially in the South, lest the still-enslaved Black Africans learn that they could take action and overthrow their Euro-American tormentors. You can read about slave codes and government suppression of the human rights of people in America, but it's not explainable unless you know that the Haitian revolution/insurrection (to use Mr. Harriot's distinctions) threatened the foundations of enslavement in America.At every turn, Mr. Harriot fills in the gaps of knowledge about our own past, whether it is here on the continental US soil or world-wide, ranging from the African continent itself to Europe, the New World, and elsewhere.I tell people that the history we are taught about ourselves lacks important information and that we here in this country have created a history that is impossible to believe. To allude to another historian's words, "you can't explain today's America if you go by the history taught in our schools about our yesterdays."Of course this book will ruffle feathers. It will poke holes in our sacred symbols. It will reveal the motives of people with deceit on their lips about duty and honor and country.But it will tell you the truth.What better gift could you give to your family, your friends, your self, that you know the truth? I'm told that knowing the truth sets you free.How about some freedom?