Dear Friends -

I’m Harlin Kearsley. As most of you know, I am the creator and director of the YouTube podcast/video series African American History Is AMERICAN History. https://www.youtube.com/@AAHIAHVideoSeriesChannel

This eclectic program combines "old-time radio" style storytelling of historical events, and bios of unsung heroes, with commentary on both historical and contemporary topics, to convey the many contributions made by Black Americans.

What began as a simple idea of mine for a radio show, and with the help of a few very talented actors, the African American History Is AMERICAN History Video Series Channel on YouTube has become a program that appeals to listeners/viewers of every race & age, from middle school to middle age. Our continually growing fan base (now at 41,000 subscribers…and counting) consists of people who are curious to learn about the "lesser-known" contributions, made by Black people throughout American history. People like: Ida B. Wells, George Washington Lee, Effie Waller Smith, Samuel J. Battle, William Monroe Trotter, Major Robert Henry Lawrence Jr., Peggy Dammond, Charles Caldwell, and Mary Fields (aka Stagecoach Mary).

As you will find, African American History Is AMERICAN History is more than a video series and podcast. It's an educational platform built around a simple idea: the more we understand our shared history, the better we understand ourselves.

Here, you'll meet extraordinary people, revisit pivotal moments that shaped our nation, and uncover stories that history books too often leave in the shadows.

Whether you're a student, an educator, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who's curious about the past, I hope you'll find something here that challenges you, surprises you, and perhaps even changes the way you see American history.

Historian David McCullough once said:

"History is who we are and why we are the way we are."

That idea is at the heart of everything we do.

Our goal isn't to defend the past...or to condemn it. It's to understand it. Because history isn't served by omission or exaggeration. It's served by evidence.

Those principles rise above today's political debates, and they'll still matter decades from now.

Just as importantly, African American History Is AMERICAN History doesn't claim to have the last word. My hope isn't that you'll leave with fewer questions…It's that you'll leave asking better ones.

Across the country, the teaching of Black history has become the subject of intense political debate. The Trump administration, some conservative lawmakers, and several advocacy groups have supported efforts to limit the way Black history—especially topics such as race and systemic racism—is taught in schools and public institutions.

Whatever your political views…we believe the best response is neither censorship nor ideology—but careful research, historical evidence, and open inquiry.

Today, many educators, historians, parents, librarians, and civil rights organizations are working to ensure that students have access to an accurate, comprehensive understanding of our nation's history—including the stories that have too often been overlooked or forgotten.

If you believe that history should be preserved, explored honestly, and shared with future generations, I hope you'll help support this mission.

Please like, comment, and subscribe. Every interaction helps more people discover these stories.

And if you're able, please consider supporting African American History Is AMERICAN History through our GoFundMe campaign. Your generosity helps us continue researching, producing, and sharing educational programs that inform, inspire, and keep these important stories alive for generations to come.

Thank you for listening...and for watching. And thank you for helping keep history alive.

Here’s some more of what’s being said about the African American History Is AMERICAN History Video Series Channel on YouTube:

“@African American History is American History I love you guys and the channel, but as a future history educator, I get so frustrated that there are less than 30k subscribers here, but on other channels where we are gossiping, encouraging division, and self-hatred, and bashing our own, there are hundreds of thousands- even millions, in a couple of cases- of subscribers. No matter, there are those of us who truly appreciated the knowledge and effort you put forth.”

@QueenBthatsMe777

“I appreciate the history content you provide, a lot of which I was unaware of. I look forward to the next episode.”

@8lu6oy

“I absolutely love your channel. It's well put together, informative, and such an important part of history. Textbooks don't cover this. Thank you!”

@andidunham4610

“Congratulations! This is great educational content. You construct your content in a way that is informative and inviting for all. Thank goodness. I look forward to many more great things to come.”

@1357623330

“Keep the history lessons coming Thanks!!!”

@genehammond7239

“I am a new subscriber and will go through all your videos. Very informative and gives knowledge we need to know without being too long. Thank you, Sir.”

@veronicamwarren5750

“Glad I found this channel. Great content.”

@infoscholar5221

AAHIAH has received endorsements from The Harlem Historical Society, Howard University, Newton North High School, Anson County Early College High School, Don Buchwald & Associates, SoBro (South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation)…and Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Everyone involved with this program works gratis because we believe in the project. And although the African American History Is AMERICAN History Video Series Channel on YouTube is definitely a labor of love, the cost of studio space, editing equipment, and advertising have gone up considerably since we began 10 years ago.

We are looking to raise $18,000 to cover these costs and help AAHIAH reach many more listeners/viewers.

In order to keep producing more of AAHIAH and continue to offer the gift of knowledge…WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Please donate whatever amount you can to the GO FUND ME link below.

https://gofund.me/5bc3a8a0

…And to those who have already donated, I thank you again so much. And if you haven’t donated yet, I know money is tight theses days, but please know that whatever you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Also, if you haven’t done so, please subscribe to the channel. As always it’s FREE! Once you hit the subscribe button and the bell icon, you’ll be notified as soon as new episodes are posted. https://www.youtube.com/@AAHIAHVideoSeriesChannel

Thanks again!

Harlin Kearsley