Brené with Dr. Clint Smith on How the Word Is Passed
May 26, 2021
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Dr. Clint Smith, a celebrated writer and educator, dives into the deep-seated history of slavery in America, emphasizing the importance of confronting and acknowledging this past for healing. He discusses the legacy of Angola prison, connecting its roots to systemic racism today. The conversation also touches on the moral implications of how we remember history and the emotional weight of narratives shaped by our shared experiences. Ultimately, Smith urges us to engage honestly with the stories of the past to foster a more equitable future.
Dr. Clint Smith emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and reckoning with America's history of slavery to foster healing in society.
The discussion highlights how various historical sites of slavery differ in their accountability, shaping public memory and understanding of injustice.
Smith reflects on his personal experiences and family influences, demonstrating how individual narratives connect to broader themes of identity and purpose.
Deep dives
The Importance of History in Understanding Slavery
The episode emphasizes the significance of a comprehensive understanding of slavery in American history. Dr. Clint Smith highlights how acknowledging historical injustices is crucial for recognizing their impact on contemporary society. He discusses the responsibility to confront and account for these narratives rather than erasing them, which can lead to ideological misconceptions. An understanding of history allows individuals to grapple with the truth and contribute to healing and change in public discourse.
Engaging with the Past: Dr. Clint Smith's Insights
Dr. Clint Smith shares insights from his book, 'How the Word is Passed,' where he investigates various sites of slavery across the United States. He explores how these locations offer differing levels of accountability regarding their histories. Smith emphasizes that understanding and acknowledging this past is essential for moving forward. His experiences in different contexts reflect a broader discussion on how public history shapes collective memory.
Impact of Personal Experiences on Educational Perspectives
The conversation touches on Dr. Smith's personal journey from growing up in New Orleans to becoming an educator. He reflects on how his upbringing during Hurricane Katrina shaped his understanding of race and class issues. This experience prompted him to deeply consider the systemic factors influencing educational access and the consequences for marginalized communities. Through his teaching and research, he aims to bring awareness to the broader social structures that affect education.
The Role of Art and Literature in Shaping Perspectives
Smith discusses the profound influence of poetry and literature on his worldview, especially during formative years in college. His experience with spoken word at the New Eurekan Poets Cafe opened his eyes to the expansive possibilities of art and its potential to evoke change. This discovery pushed him to pursue writing and contribute to the literary landscape while also using art as a means of social critique. He believes that merging emotional and intellectual understanding can foster deeper connections in society.
The Legacy of Convict Leasing and Modern Prisons
The episode explains the troubling history of convict leasing, which allowed for the exploitation of Black individuals after emancipation. Smith details how these practices established a legal loophole that allowed involuntary servitude to continue within the prison system, reflecting the structures of slavery. He raises the question of how contemporary prisons bear the scars of slavery and systemic racism. Challenging the narratives surrounding prison, he urges listeners to critically evaluate how this legacy informs current social injustices.
A Personal Reflection on Family and Identity
Throughout the episode, Dr. Smith shares how his relationship with his family and upbringing informs his understanding of his identity and purpose. He reflects on experiences that shaped his values, such as washing the car with his father to 90s R&B or sharing moments of joy with his children. These memories highlight the importance of family and the sense of belonging in understanding personal narratives. Smith's reflections underscore the connection between individual stories and collective history.
I’m talking to writer, teacher, and scholar Dr. Clint Smith about his new book, How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America. We talk about the history of slavery in this country and how we approach, excavate, recognize, and react to that history — and how we have a responsibility and accountability to get the story and the history right. Because when we can be honest about the history, we can begin to acknowledge it, reckon with it, and heal from it.
