From Christopher Columbus to Ferguson, Michael Harriot delivers history that is ‘Black AF’

“In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” It's a familiar story: An explorer landing in what is now the Bahamas, finding the "New World" and setting the stage for revolution, democracy and the world we live in today.

But that is just one way to tell the story of America. Author Michael Harriot has a different story.

“We usually learn history, especially American history, through a white perspective,” said Harriot, author of the forthcoming book “Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America.” Harriot will be discussing the book at an event on Sept. 22 at the Schlafly Public Library

Harriot noted that the “myths” of American history often serve to downplay — or erase — the impact of slavery and racism. “This book turns that on its side, and it talks about history through the perspective of Black people in America,” he said, and later explained that he approached the project under the premise “that there is no objective history.”

“I want it to talk to Black people in the way that we talk to each other; the way that we understand each other, and the way that we experience community. … I wanted it to be relatable.”

Harriot also discussed his experience reporting on the Ferguson protests in 2014 and returning to St. Louis in 2017 to cover protests once again.