PDF Summary:Black AF History, by Michael Harriot

Black AF History by Michael Harriot re-examines America's economic, social, and political history through the lens of the African American experience. This book sheds light on the pivotal contributions of Black individuals in shaping America and how white supremacy perpetuated systemic oppression.

From the intellectual capital of enslaved Africans to the armed resistance against racial violence, Harriot reveals how African Americans have continuously fought for freedom and preservation of their cultural heritage. He connects historical injustices like slavery and Jim Crow to contemporary issues of economic inequality and mass incarceration, while highlighting the central role of Black women in leading social change.

(continued)...

The evolution of groups that championed the principle of armed self-protection, from the Stono Rebellion to the Black Guard and the Deacons for Defense, highlights the continuous threat of racially motivated aggression faced by African American neighborhoods.

Harriot details the progression of self-defense and armed struggle among Black individuals throughout various pivotal moments in history, underscoring its continuous existence. The author characterizes the 1739 Stono Rebellion as a crucial and initial demonstration of defiance by enslaved people in the colonies, highlighting their strong determination and prompt response to fight for their freedom. Jemmy, an Angolan captive, led a group of African detainees who armed themselves and embarked on a journey to Spanish Florida, a haven for escapees from enslavement, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. As history moved forward, the author highlighted the emergence of groups established for self-defense in response to the pervasive racial animosity emblematic of the era of segregation. To ensure their survival and protect their communities, Black individuals found it necessary to take up arms due to relentless aggression from white individuals.

Forest Joe and Robert Charles demonstrated remarkable courage and defiance against racial oppression through their commitment to armed resistance in their quest for African American emancipation.

Harriot celebrates the bravery and strategic brilliance of individuals like Forest Joe and Robert Charles, who challenged the system of white supremacy through armed resistance. Forest Joe, an escaped slave in the early nineteenth century, became a legendary figure in South Carolina, known for his daring raids on plantations, his ability to elude capture, and his unwavering commitment to freeing enslaved Africans. He emerged as an iconic symbol, instilling fear in the hearts of slave owners and serving as a symbol of resistance for Black people, through his expert use of stealth, unconventional tactics in battle, and the development of rudimentary protective gear. In the early 1900s in New Orleans, Robert Charles was hailed by some as a hero for his staunch resistance to mob violence and the harsh treatment by white law enforcement. Over a five-day period in 1900, Charles defended his community, which led to the fatalities of seven white law enforcement officers and wounded nineteen others. The author highlights the bravery and resolute spirit of people with African heritage who resisted oppression instead of succumbing to a system designed to marginalize them.

Practical Tips

• You can explore your family's cultural heritage by creating a personal heritage scrapbook, gathering stories, recipes, traditional clothing images, and language snippets from older relatives. This activity helps you connect with your roots and understand the resilience of your ancestors. For example, if your grandparents spoke a unique dialect or had traditional customs, document these and learn about their origins and significance.
• Start a book club focused on narratives of resistance and empowerment from various cultures and historical periods. By reading and discussing these stories, you and your club members can gain insight into the diverse methods people have used to overcome oppression. Choose books that cover a range of experiences, from historical figures who used knowledge as a tool for resistance to communities that preserved their culture against the odds.
• Engage in reflective journaling to identify and appreciate the subtle acts of resistance in your daily life. Write about moments when you've stood up for your beliefs, challenged unfair practices, or supported others in doing so. This practice can help you recognize your own strength and the collective power of seemingly small actions. For instance, if you spoke up against a stereotype at work or helped someone understand a cultural nuance, these are acts of personal resistance worth acknowledging.

Individuals who were white utilized Christianity, religious beliefs, and legal as well as political systems to maintain and extend their dominance and influence.

Harriot uncovers how adherents who were white purposefully twisted Christian teachings to rationalize the subjugation of Africans and maintain the ideology of white superiority. The author traces the development of religious hypocrisy from the colonial era to the present, showing how interpretations of the Bible and legal doctrines have been twisted to support and legitimize the harsh system of slavery.

Religious reasoning was used in a fundamentally inconsistent manner to support racial supremacy by twisting Christianity to rationalize the oppression of African individuals.

The writer describes how Christianity, a faith rooted in love, compassion, and equality, became twisted into a tool for justifying the oppression of African individuals. Michael Harriot argues that the early settlers' alleged aim of Christianizing the indigenous people was actually a smokescreen for their true intentions of appropriating land and enslaving the local inhabitants for labor. The assertion that they were imparting a "civilized religion" to the "heathen savages" served as a facade for their actual motives, masking their insatiable avarice as a sacred pursuit. The establishment of legal and religious doctrines facilitated justifications for the oppression of individuals.

The Bible used during slavery was selectively compiled, omitting verses that supported freedom and emphasizing those that promoted obedience, thus revealing the intentional distortion of sacred texts to maintain white supremacy.

Harriot highlights the creation of a distinct version of the King James Bible, commonly known as the "Slavery Bible," which omitted substantial portions that supported freedom and instead concentrated on passages that promoted servitude. The author emphasizes that the modified scriptures provided to the enslaved intentionally excluded substantial parts of the Old Testament and half of the New Testament, particularly excluding stories of liberation such as the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Religious teachings were deliberately manipulated to cultivate a sense of compliance and docility among African individuals in bondage, leveraging the perceived sanctity of scripture to justify their subjugation and dampen their aspirations for freedom.

Religious doctrines and legal tenets, such as the Curse of Ham, laid the groundwork for the perpetual enslavement of individuals of African descent.

The author describes the misuse of biblical misinterpretations, particularly the unfounded "Curse of Ham," to rationalize the perpetual enslavement of Black people. The flawed reading of Genesis 9 implied that Ham, Noah's son, and his descendants were forever cursed with a darker complexion and were destined to be in servitude. The rationale behind the subjugation of Africans took root by linking blackness to inherent flaws and divine punishment, embedding these biased notions deep within the fabric of American society. The principle dictated that the status of a child as a bondsperson would be inherited from the mother, regardless of the father's race or status in society. This idea fostered an unending loop in which bondage passed down familial lines, ensuring a continuous supply of workers for servitude and cementing a system of racial subjugation that endured through time.

The Black community saw the rise of a unique religious tradition that blended African spiritual customs with elements of defiance and collective growth, offering a haven for empowerment.

Harriot argues that the dominant narrative of enslavement in America frequently focuses on the imposition of Christianity on African captives, but in reality, it is about how these individuals transformed and adjusted to the religious practices. The author details the development of a distinct Black religious tradition that blends African spiritual customs with Christian doctrines, promoting a form of spiritual expression that prioritizes the nurturing of community and the pursuit of freedom, while also focusing on opposition and resilience. This vibrant spiritual tradition fostered perseverance and preserved connections to their African heritage for those uprooted from their homeland, providing a hallowed sanctuary to withstand the hardships of oppression.

The development of unique African American perspectives on Christianity, Islam, and spiritual customs preserved cultural heritage and offered a divergent option to the dominant religious ideologies held by the white population.

The book details how captive Africans reinterpreted the Christian teachings of their captors, incorporating their unique experiences and cultural perspectives into them. The development of unique Christian practices was deeply influenced by African musical traditions, dance, and spiritual rituals. In the African American community, Islam, a major faith among those who were enslaved, developed distinctively, blending with Christian and indigenous practices to create intricate religious traditions. Enslaved individuals managed to maintain their ancestral traditions and counteract the intentional obliteration of their cultural identities by altering their religious practices.

The Black church has served as a solid base for self-sufficiency and a powerful entity in challenging racial inequalities within the African American community.

Harriot emphasizes the critical role that Black churches have played in nurturing resistance, strengthening communal ties, and propelling political involvement throughout America's history. The author documents the progression of Black churches, tracing their development from secret gatherings in "hush harbors" to the establishment of independent assemblies that ultimately led to the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The churches served as centers for spiritual sustenance and also played a pivotal role in education, fostering economic strength, and facilitating political mobilization. Despite the persistent risk of aggression from white communities and legal constraints, African American religious assemblies played a crucial role in fostering self-determination within the African American community and challenging racial inequities.

Practical Tips

• You can explore the historical context of religious texts by comparing different versions of the Bible, such as a King James version and a "Slavery Bible," if available, to understand the changes made and verses omitted. This will give you a firsthand look at how religious texts can be manipulated to serve various agendas.
• Create a personal reflection journal where you document your reactions to various religious teachings and their historical uses. For example, when you come across a teaching that has been used to justify oppression, write about how this teaching could be reinterpreted in a more inclusive and empowering way.
• Engage with diverse religious communities to learn about the blending of different cultural customs and spiritual practices. This could involve attending different church services, visiting a mosque, or participating in a spiritual ceremony from another culture, with the intention of observing and appreciating how various groups find strength and resilience through their unique expressions of faith.

The undeniable influence of Black women's unwavering fight for civil rights and social justice is apparent, as well as the connection between a history of oppression and the ongoing racial inequalities.

Harriot underscores the often overlooked contributions of Black women in the struggle for civil rights and social justice. The author challenges a male-dominated narrative by highlighting the pivotal contributions and influential actions of Black women who, despite facing racial and gender bias, tirelessly worked to break down deep-rooted racial injustices. Historical injustices like enslavement and racial separation are connected to contemporary fights against widespread imprisonment and law enforcement brutality, highlighting the persistent legacy of disparity that ignites the ongoing fight for reparative justice and racial equality.

Black women have played a pivotal role in leading social change and dismantling racially oppressive systems, highlighting their essential role in the fight for equality.

The author challenges the dominant narrative of the civil rights movement, which often highlights male figures, by shedding light on the critical roles played by African American women. Harriot emphasizes the crucial contributions of these women, highlighting their active involvement and leadership in key initiatives, which greatly shaped the strategic course and methods of the movement, even as they confronted obstacles related to race and gender. Black women have been instrumental in propelling civil rights forward and combating entrenched racial prejudice, as evidenced by the bravery of individuals like Amelia Boynton who confronted aggressive police forces during a critical event in Selma, and the strategic orchestration by personalities such as Ella Baker, who championed an approach to activism that was both inclusive and centered on community engagement.

The groundbreaking work of Mary Church Terrell, alongside Ida B. Wells and Ella Baker, was instrumental in challenging the atrocity of lynching, advocating for women's suffrage, and leading significant movements for civil rights.

Michael Harriot celebrates the foundational contributions of early activists who established the basis for modern advocacy for equal rights, highlighting their critical roles. Mary Church Terrell, a tireless advocate for the rights of all people regardless of racial or gender distinctions, was a key figure in founding the National Association of Colored Women and significantly contributed to the formation of the NAACP, as well as challenging segregation in Washington, D.C. Ida B. Wells bravely exposed the horrors of lynching through meticulous research and used her writing skills to challenge the prevalent racist narratives that endorsed collective violence against African Americans. Ella Baker, celebrated for her exceptional organizational skills and tactical insight, challenged the top-down, male-centric leadership that was common in many groups advocating for civil rights, advocating for a grassroots approach that empowered ordinary people to lead their own struggle for liberation.

The entrepreneurial success and community activism of women like Mary Ellen Pleasant and Callie Guy House, who used their resources to support Black liberation and fight for economic justice

The book highlights the stories of individuals like Mary Ellen Pleasant and others, who utilized their entrepreneurial skills and influential leadership to advance the cause of liberty and economic equality for African Americans. Despite facing the daunting challenges of enslavement and racial prejudice, Mary Ellen Pleasant ascended to a position of wealth and influence, becoming one of the wealthiest African American women in the 19th century. Her relentless advocacy in legal battles against racial bias and her unwavering commitment to the progress of civil rights for African Americans garnered her the nickname "the Harriet Tubman of California," in recognition of her financial support to the Underground Railroad. In Tennessee, a laundress by the name of Callie Guy House was instrumental in establishing a grassroots organization, the National Ex-Slave Mutual Relief, Bounty and Pension Association, which advocated for monetary compensation for individuals who had suffered through slavery. She was imprisoned due to concocted charges, yet her steadfast dedication to equitable economic rights and her relentless efforts in organizing laid the groundwork for the modern movement that champions reparations.

Historical oppression, which includes both the institution of enslavement and segregationist laws, is directly linked to the present-day racial disparities, the excessive imprisonment of people from minority groups, and the common instances of excessive force used by law enforcement.

Michael Harriot argues that the struggle to achieve parity in rights continued even after the 1960s, when major legislation was passed. The author draws connections between historical forms of oppression, such as slavery and Jim Crow, to the current struggles of Black America against mass incarceration and police brutality. He contends that the persistent influence of systemic racism, responsible for extended disenfranchisement, continues to exert authority rather than merely being an artifact of bygone times. The persistent disparities in wealth, educational opportunities, healthcare, and political representation across various institutions stem from these circumstances.

The ongoing fight for reparations as a means of addressing the enduring legacy of racial injustice and the continued economic exploitation of Black Americans, exemplified by Belinda Sutton's successful petition

Michael Harriot depicts the pursuit of reparations as a persistent component of the larger struggle for racial justice. The author stresses that the widespread incarceration, in addition to slavery, Jim Crow laws, and redlining, has served not just to divert wealth but also to curtail the freedoms of Black people. He argues that reparations should be viewed not only as compensation for past wrongs but also as a strategy to address the ongoing economic oppression of Black Americans. He underscores the story of Belinda Sutton, an enslaved woman in Massachusetts, who, in 1783, petitioned the state government for a pension, basing her request on the fifty years of unpaid labor she had endured at the hands of her enslavers. The Sutton case underscores the core principle that individuals of African descent are justified in seeking compensation for the longstanding exploitation of their labor and the enduring consequences of bias based on race.

It is crucial to recognize and dismantle the systemic and institutional structures that perpetuate racial disparities, tracing the lineage from historical injustices to their present-day repercussions.

Harriot argues that understanding the history of racial oppression is essential for breaking down the established structures and systems that continue to propagate racial inequality. The writer draws a persuasive link between the systematic disenfranchisement of Black voters following the Civil War, the savagery of lynch mobs, the economic discrimination of redlining, and the modern problem of mass incarceration, positing that these represent various manifestations of America's deep-seated commitment to maintaining white supremacy and privilege. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging past wrongs while also actively dismantling the structural systems that perpetuate inequality and challenging the biased narratives that justify these disparities.

Practical Tips

• You can amplify the stories of historical Black women activists by creating social media content that highlights their achievements and challenges. Start a dedicated Instagram or Twitter account where you share lesser-known facts, quotes, and significant accomplishments of figures like Mary Church Terrell and Ida B. Wells. Use hashtags to join broader conversations about civil rights and social justice, and encourage followers to share the content to educate a wider audience.
• Engage with local businesses to support economic justice by creating a community-driven "Black Dollar Day." Coordinate with local Black-owned businesses to offer special promotions on a designated day each month, encouraging the community to shop there. This initiative not only boosts the local economy but also raises awareness about the importance of supporting Black entrepreneurs and the concept of economic justice.
• Foster a deeper understanding of systemic structures by starting a virtual book club focused on works by Black authors that address racial disparities. Choose a different book each month, ensuring a mix of historical and contemporary perspectives, and use video conferencing tools to discuss the themes and real-world implications with club members. This can lead to a greater appreciation of the systemic issues at hand and inspire participants to take informed actions in their own communities.