How Americans deceive ourselves about slavery

Clint Smith is a respected author who confronts the often-uncomfortable truth about how Americans perceive and teach the history of slavery. His work suggests that many people might be unintentionally deceiving themselves about the true extent and impact of this dark chapter in American history. Smith’s primary goal is to encourage a more honest national conversation about slavery, moving beyond simplified or sanitized narratives.

His critically acclaimed book, How the Word Is Passed, meticulously explores various historical sites across the United States. Through visits to plantations, monuments, and other significant locations, Smith examines how the history of slavery is remembered—or, importantly, how it is forgotten or misrepresented—in public spaces and educational curricula. He highlights the ways these narratives can obscure the full realities of enslaved people's experiences. In contrast, his poetry collection, Above Ground, offers a deeply personal perspective. Dedicated to his children, these poems forge a direct link to their ancestors who endured and ultimately escaped the brutal institution of slavery. This collection beautifully intertwines the profound trauma of the past with themes of resilience and inherited strength, ensuring that the personal human cost of slavery is not overlooked.

Smith has widely disseminated his insights and research, engaging in important public discussions. He has notably appeared on the popular radio program "Fresh Air" multiple times, in both 2021 and 2023, where he shared his findings and personal reflections. Through both his powerful writing and his thoughtful interviews, Clint Smith advocates for a complete and truthful understanding of the legacy of slavery, emphasizing its ongoing influence on American society and culture today.