Clint Smith’s “How the Word Is Passed” is a powerful and thought-provoking book that explores the legacy of slavery and its impact on American society. Through a series of personal journeys and historical examinations, Smith challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable truths of our nation’s past and present. In this book, Smith takes us on a journey through various sites of memory, from the plantations of the Deep South to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Through these explorations, Smith asks us to confront the ways in which we remember and commemorate the past, and how these memories shape our present.
Chapter 1: Monticello
In the first chapter, Smith visits Monticello, the plantation of Thomas Jefferson, one of the most prominent figures in American history. Through his exploration of the plantation, Smith examines the complex and contradictory legacy of Jefferson, a man who fought for liberty while owning hundreds of slaves. Smith also reflects on the ways in which the plantation has been memorialized and commemorated, highlighting the ways in which history can be sanitized to fit a particular narrative.
Chapter 2: The Whitney Plantation
In the second chapter, Smith travels to the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana, one of the few plantations in the South that is dedicated to telling the story of the enslaved people who lived and worked there. Through his exploration of the plantation, Smith highlights the ways in which the memories of the enslaved have been erased from history, and the importance of remembering their stories. Smith also reflects on the ways in which the plantation has been memorialized and commemorated, and the challenges of telling a story that is often painful and difficult to hear.
Chapter 3: The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
In the third chapter, Smith visits the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, a museum that seeks to tell the story of African Americans from the Middle Passage to the present day. Through his exploration of the museum, Smith reflects on the importance of memory and commemoration in shaping our understanding of the past and the present. Smith also highlights the challenges of telling a story that is often complex and contradictory, and the ways in which the museum has sought to address these challenges.
Chapter 4: The Legacy of Slavery
In the fourth chapter, Smith reflects on the legacy of slavery and its impact on American society. Through his exploration of various sites of memory, Smith highlights the ways in which the legacy of slavery continues to shape our present day, from the criminal justice system to housing policies. Smith also reflects on the ways in which we remember and commemorate the past, and the challenges of telling a story that is often painful and difficult to hear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “How the Word Is Passed” is a powerful and thought-provoking book that challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable truths of our nation’s past and present. Through his exploration of various sites of memory, Smith highlights the importance of memory and commemoration in shaping our understanding of the past and the present. Smith also reflects on the ways in which history can be sanitized to fit a particular narrative, and the challenges of telling a story that is often painful and difficult to hear. Overall, “How the Word Is Passed” is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the legacy of slavery and its impact on American society.
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