MICHAELHARRIOT

When CNN wanted to know the origin of the phrase "woke," they called Michael Harriot. When MSNBC needed someone to explain critical race theory, they called Michael Harriot. When asked to choose one name that embodied the collective ethos of Black Twitter, Michael Harriot was the runaway answer.

 

Michael Harriot is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, celebrated poet and public historian hailed as "one of the most eloquent writers in America." His NY Times Bestseller Black AF History: The Unwhitewashed Story of America is required reading in at least 10 universities and numerous colleges have adopted his "Race as an Economic Construct" curriculum, which examines social structures using history, data and the laws of supply and demand.

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​Michael's acerbic wit, biting commentary, and investigative reporting influences everything from presidential politics to pop culture. As the originator of the phrase “invited to the cookout,” his social media threads contextualizing history are shared by millions, while his award-winning journalism appeared in the Washington Post, The Atlantic, the New York Times and his mother’s refrigerator. He is the host of theGrio Daily podcast and teamed with Pharrell Williams to create the award-winning podcast "Drapetomaniax: Unshackled History."

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Michael earned degrees in mass communications and history from Auburn University and a master's degree in macroeconomics and international business from Florida State. His writing has been honored by the National Association of Black Journalists, the Emmys, the Webbys and the American Library Association. 

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​Michael is one of the most-requested public speakers and scholars on the subject of Black history, journalism, and race. He currently serves as a columnist for theGrio and The Guardian covering the intersection of race, politics, and culture.