How the Word Is Passed is a reckoning with the history of slavery across America. It takes an unflinching look at how America’s past still hangs heavily over its present, and offers concrete prescriptions for healing our fractured society. Written by award-winning writer Clint Smith, it is a powerful call to action that challenges us all – black and white, young and old – to confront the dark truths of our shared history head on.
For who is this book for ?
How the Word Is Passed is for all people who want to understand America’s past and present, especially those looking for ways to reconciliation. It covers a wide range of topics including race, slavery, education and more.
Pros :
- How the Word Is Passed is a well written, researched book
- It confronts difficult truths about America’s past and offers prescriptions for healing
- Clint Smith is an award winning writer who has a lot of experience and knowledge to share
Cons :
- It may be too heavy for some readers.
- It may not be suitable for those who are looking for an easy read.
- Some of the content could be viewed as graphic or disturbing
Learn more about the author
Clint Smith is a poet, teacher, and award-winning writer from Baltimore. He is the author of Counting Descent, a 2016 NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Literary Work by an Author of Color. Clint’s writing has also been featured in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Oxford American Lit., among others. A graduate of Yale University and Teach For America alumnus, he currently teaches poetry at Towson University.
Reader Reviews
“This is a book that everyone – regardless of race or background – should read. It’s an essential, powerful exploration of America’s history and how it still shapes our present.”
“How the Word Is Passed is an important book. It disrupts myths about American history and provides a clear lens for understanding how racism continues to operate in our society.”
“How the Word Is Passed is a searing examination of America’s racial history and its continuing impact on contemporary life. With candor, intelligence, and eloquence, Clint Smith shines a light on uncomfortable truths we must face if we are to build a more equitable future.”
“Smith provides a much-needed fresh perspective on the complicated and tangled history of America’s relationship to slavery…This is an important book that should be read by all.”
