Summary of Clint Smith's How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery in America

Clint Smith's How the Word Is Passed is a powerful and moving account of the history of slavery in America. Smith takes readers on a journey through some of the most important sites of the slave trade and the Civil War, and he tells the stories of the people who were enslaved and the people who fought for their freedom.

Summary of Clint Smith's How the Word Is Passed

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1242 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	16 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Smith begins his book by describing the Middle Passage, the horrific journey that enslaved Africans were forced to endure from Africa to America. He then visits the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana, one of the few remaining plantations that has been preserved as a museum. At Whitney, Smith learns about the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked there, and he witnesses the ways in which the legacy of slavery continues to shape the lives of African Americans today.

Smith also visits the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, a memorial to the thousands of African Americans who were lynched in the United States. At the memorial, Smith reflects on the history of racial violence in America and the ways in which it has shaped the country's present.

The Importance of Memory

One of the central themes of How the Word Is Passed is the importance of memory. Smith argues that it is essential for Americans to remember the history of slavery and its legacy, in order to understand the present and to work towards a more just future.

Smith writes, "Memory is a powerful force. It can shape our understanding of the past, present, and future. It can help us to understand who we are and where we come from. It can also help us to make sense of the world around us and to make choices about how we want to live."

Smith believes that memory is especially important for African Americans, who have been historically marginalized and silenced. He argues that by remembering the history of slavery, African Americans can reclaim their own stories and challenge the dominant narratives that have been told about them.

The Power of Storytelling

Smith also argues that storytelling is a powerful tool for remembering and understanding the past. He believes that by sharing our stories, we can connect with each other and build a more just world.

Smith writes, "Stories have the power to change hearts and minds. They can help us to see the world from different perspectives and to understand the experiences of others. They can also inspire us to take action and to work towards a better future."

Smith's own book is a powerful example of the power of storytelling. Through his vivid descriptions and moving prose, Smith brings the history of slavery to life and helps readers to understand the human cost of this horrific institution.

How the Word Is Passed is a powerful and moving account of the history of slavery in America. Smith's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the legacy of slavery and its impact on the present.

Smith's book is also a reminder of the importance of memory and storytelling. By remembering the past and sharing our stories, we can work towards a more just future.

Summary of Clint Smith's How the Word Is Passed

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1242 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	16 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE