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How the Word Is Passed Book by Clint Smith

How the Word Is Passed Book -  A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Author Clint Smith Book Buy Online at Lowest Price

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About this Book

Embarking from his hometown of New Orleans, Clint Smith emboldens readers on an indelible journey through monuments and landmarks, delineating between those unflinchingly honest about our past and those shrouded in silence. This exploration weaves an intergenerational narrative, revealing the profound impact of slavery in shaping America’s collective history and identity.

Smith uncovers narratives from pivotal sites like the Monticello Plantation, where Thomas Jefferson's liberty-centric writings starkly contrasted with his ownership of more than four hundred enslaved individuals. He delves into the Whitney Plantation, uniquely dedicated to preserving the stories of those enslaved whose labor sustained it. The narrative also encompasses Angola, a former plantation transformed into a maximum-security prison where Black men toil on vast acreage for nominal wages. Moreover, it embraces Blandford Cemetery, the final resting place for tens of thousands of Confederate soldiers.

This deeply researched exploration in “How the Word Is Passed” magnifies the enduring legacy of slavery and its profound implications across America’s historical tapestry. Smith illuminates the concealment of vital stories in plain sight—whether embedded in daily commutes, commemorated holidays like Juneteenth, or etched into the very fabric of neighborhoods like downtown Manhattan, harboring the poignant history of the slave trade.

Rich in scholarly insights and human narratives, Smith’s debut nonfiction stands as an emblematic testament, offering profound reflections that redefine the role of memory and history. It presents a newfound appreciation for their potential in understanding America’s journey and its evolving identity.

About the Author 

Clint Smith, a distinguished staff writer at The Atlantic, boasts a celebrated literary portfolio. His narrative nonfiction masterpiece, "How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America," soared to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and secured a place among the New York Times Top Ten Books of 2021. In addition to this acclaimed work, Smith is the acclaimed author of the poetry collection "Counting Descent." This collection clinched the 2017 Literary Award for Best Poetry Book from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and stood as a finalist for an NAACP Image Award.

Smith's illustrious career has been adorned with prestigious fellowships from New America, the Emerson Collective, the Art For Justice Fund, Cave Canem, and the National Science Foundation. His literary prowess extends beyond The Atlantic, gracing the pages of esteemed publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, Poetry Magazine, The Paris Review, and various other prominent platforms.

A native of New Orleans, Smith earned his B.A. in English from Davidson College before pursuing his Ph.D. in Education at Harvard University. His diverse academic and literary journey reflects a commitment to illuminating vital narratives and perspectives through his compelling prose and poetry.