Michael Harriot

Michael Harriot is a columnist at theGrio and a staff writer on The Amber Ruffin Show and author of “AF History: The Unwhitewashed Story of America.” His work has appeared in the Washington Post, The Atlantic, NBC, BET, and on his mother’s refrigerator. He is a frequent political commentator on MSNBC and CNN and earned the National Association of Black Journalists Award for digital commentary as well as TV news writing.

Known for his acerbic wit, biting commentary, and investigative reporting, Harriot’s work has influenced presidential politics and pop culture. He originated the phrase “invited to the cookout” and his social media posts contextualizing history are shared by millions. He served as the sole writer for BET's Midterm Election Special as well as "Young, Gifted and Broke," an examination of the student debt crisis. Although he has jokingly billed himself as a “wypipologist” for years, Michael Eric Dyson hails him as "one of the funniest men out there taking no prisoners on the subject of white supremacy." As a performance poet, Harriot has traveled across the country performing his unique blend of comedic verse.

Harriot earned degrees in mass communications and history from Auburn University and earned a master's degree in macroeconomics and international business from Florida State University. He also won the 2019 NABJ award for digital commentary but considers his biggest accomplishment to be the fact that Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and the National Rifle Association have all publicly expressed disdain for him.