How Americans deceive ourselves about slavery

Clint Smith, a distinguished author and poet, provides a compelling critical examination of the pervasive ways Americans collectively deceive themselves regarding the brutal institution of slavery. His comprehensive body of work transcends simplistic narratives, actively challenging the often-sanitized versions of history presented to the public. Smith’s vital contributions aim to instigate a more honest and thorough national reckoning with this foundational, yet frequently minimized, aspect of U.S. history, illuminating the deliberate omissions and selective memories that perpetuate a skewed understanding of slavery's enduring impact.

In his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America, Smith embarks on an extensive and emotionally resonant journey. He travels to numerous significant historical sites—including former plantations, Confederate monuments, and modern-day prisons—to meticulously investigate the complex and often contradictory ways slavery is memorialized, interpreted, and taught across the nation. Through this immersive research, he uncovers systemic failures in educational curricula and public discourse that actively prevent a full grasp of slavery’s profound nuances and its persistent ramifications on contemporary society. Complementing this historical inquiry, his poetry collection, Above Ground, offers a deeply intimate and personal counterpoint. Dedicated to his own children, these poems explore the arduous experiences of their ancestors who suffered under the yoke of slavery and courageously fought for liberation. This powerful work skillfully interweaves personal ancestry into the broader historical tapestry, underscoring both the intergenerational trauma and the remarkable resilience passed down through family lines.

Smith’s profound insights and meticulous research have garnered widespread attention and facilitated crucial national conversations. He engaged in candid and revealing discussions on the renowned public radio program "Fresh Air" in both 2021 and 2023, where he further elaborated on his motivations, methodologies, and findings. His work consistently urges individuals and institutions alike to unflinchingly confront the uncomfortable truths of the past. He posits that genuine progress, societal healing, and reconciliation can only emerge from an honest and complete acknowledgment of slavery's brutal reality and its multifaceted, indelible legacy on the fabric of contemporary American life.