NPR's Book of the Day
'Black AF History' examines American history from the perspective of Black people
Dec 20, 2023
Michael Harriot, political commentator and author, discusses the importance of retelling American history from the Black perspective. The podcast explores the disparity between taught history and actual events, shedding light on the forgotten explorer Esteban and his contributions. It also highlights the use of quizzes and humor to engage readers and discusses the triumph of the Black community in American history.
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Quick takeaways
- Revisiting American history from the perspective of black individuals challenges traditional narratives and emphasizes their significant contributions throughout history.
- Understanding the true nature of slavery in America as a unique and embedded system challenges the whitewashing of history and celebrates the resilience and triumph of black communities.
Deep dives
The framing of black history in American education
The history of black studies in American education started in the late 70s and early 80s, meaning that previous generations of educators did not learn or teach black history. The black history that eventually made its way into the curriculum was selectively chosen to fit within the preexisting narratives of American history, avoiding any conflicts with the idealized image of America's founding fathers. This selective inclusion ignored the role of figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson as slaveholders and focused on reinforcing existing lessons.
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