Clint Smith III

Clint Smith, a talented poet and author of *How the Word is Passed*, dives deep into the intersections of history and personal identity. He wrestles with the legacy of figures like Thomas Jefferson, advocating for honest narratives about America's past. Clint emphasizes the need to celebrate joyful moments in Black history, encouraging a broader perspective beyond suffering. He intertwines poetry and personal anecdotes to explore growth, creativity, and the vital role of empathy in understanding our complex histories.

Tyrone Turner, WAMU's visuals editor and former National Geographic reporter, shares his firsthand experience of covering Hurricane Katrina. Clint Smith, a staff writer at The Atlantic and New Orleans native, discusses the deep emotional and racial implications of the disaster, while Brianna Sachs, a Washington Post reporter, highlights FEMA's lasting challenges and the need for reform. Together, they reflect on the city's ongoing recovery and the lessons learned in disaster response, emphasizing the importance of community ties and cultural heritage.

Clint Smith, a poet and staff writer for The Atlantic, shares his journey back to New Orleans, two decades after Hurricane Katrina. He reflects on haunting memories, such as a ruined wedding dress and a birthday cake left behind, revealing the emotional weight of returning to a devastated home. The conversation tackles themes of resilience, racial inequities, and the personal artifacts that echo a community's struggle. Smith invites listeners to explore their own experiences, fostering a powerful dialogue about loss and recovery amidst ongoing challenges.

Annie Polland, a historian and president of the Tenement Museum, teams up with Clint Smith, a poet and staff writer at The Atlantic, to discuss innovative ways teachers can effectively share Black and immigrant histories. They delve into the challenges educators face while navigating America’s complex past, emphasizing the importance of personal narratives in understanding social issues. Polland and Smith also highlight the museum's immersive storytelling methods, connecting individual stories to broader historical contexts and promoting dialog about racism and social justice.

Clint Smith, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'How the Word is Passed,' joins Key Jo Lee, chief of curatorial affairs at the Museum of the African Diaspora. They dive into the political battle over American history narratives amid efforts to erase uncomfortable truths. Smith discusses the implications of whitewashing history and the importance of confronting racial injustices. Lee highlights the critical role of museums in preserving marginalized stories and the ongoing challenges they face due to funding cuts and ideological pressures.