New Books in History Clint Smith, "How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America" (Little, Brown and Company, 2021)
Nov 9, 2025
Clint Smith, a staff writer for The Atlantic and acclaimed author, delves into the legacy of slavery in America through the lens of his bestselling book. He explores historic sites like Monticello and Angola Prison, revealing how these places shape our understanding of enslavement. Smith discusses the complexities of public memory, the ethics of tourism at these sites, and the power of oral histories. He challenges listeners to confront the narratives we inherit and advocates for memorials that promote justice over nostalgia.
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Spoken-Word Origin Story
- Clint Smith discovered performance poetry at the New Yorican Poets Cafe and it changed his life trajectory. He learned to write for bodies and voices before adapting craft for the page.
Practice Produces Publishable Work
- Write a lot of imperfect drafts to reach the work you truly want to publish. Practice privately so the published pieces reflect the unseen labor.
Symbols Shape Policy And Memory
- Public symbols and names reflect stories communities tell and shape policy and material life. Examining how places narrate slavery reveals how memory sustains inequality.
