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Longlisted for the 2021 National Book Award for Nonfiction

Beginning in his hometown of New Orleans, Clint Smith leads the reader on an unforgettable tour of monuments and landmarks—those that are honest about the past and those that are not—that offer an intergenerational story of how slavery has been central in shaping our nation’s collective history, and ourselves.

It is the story of the Monticello Plantation in Virginia, the estate where Thomas Jefferson wrote letters espousing the urgent need for liberty while enslaving more than four hundred people. It is the story of the Whitney Plantation, one of the only former plantations devoted to preserving the experience of the enslaved people whose lives and work sustained it. It is the story of Angola, a former plantation–turned–maximum-security prison in Louisiana that is filled with Black men who work across the 18,000-acre land for virtually no pay. And it is the story of Blandford Cemetery, the final resting place of tens of thousands of Confederate soldiers.

A deeply researched and transporting exploration of the legacy of slavery and its imprint on centuries of American history, How the Word Is Passed illustrates how some of our country’s most essential stories are hidden in plain view—whether in places we might drive by on our way to work, holidays such as Juneteenth, or entire neighborhoods like downtown Manhattan, where the brutal history of the trade in enslaved men, women, and children has been deeply imprinted.

Informed by scholarship and brought to life by the story of people living today, Smith’s debut work of nonfiction is a landmark of reflection and insight that offers a new understanding of the hopeful role that memory and history can play in making sense of our country and how it has come to be.

In Clint Smith's thought-provoking book, "How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America," readers are taken on a powerful journey through the enduring legacy of slavery in the United States. Smith masterfully weaves together historical accounts, personal narratives, and evocative imagery to shed light on the deep-rooted consequences of this dark chapter in American history.

Through deeply researched chapters, Smith delves into various aspects of slavery's impact, ranging from the physical and psychological scars it left on individuals to the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. With empathy and eloquence, he narrates the experiences of enslaved people, their descendants, and those who have dedicated their lives to preserving and commemorating the history of slavery.

Smith's writing style is both intimate and authoritative, drawing readers into the heart of the stories he recounts. He skillfully connects past and present, highlighting how the legacy of slavery continues to shape modern-day society. From plantations and slave markets to monuments and memorials, he explores the ways in which the history of slavery is embedded in the American landscape and collective consciousness.

"How the Word Is Passed" is a profound and necessary examination of slavery's lasting effects in America. It encourages readers to confront uncomfortable truths, grapple with the complexities of racial history, and strive for a more just and equitable future. Through Smith's compelling storytelling and incisive analysis, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the enduring consequences of slavery and the ongoing work required to address its legacy.

Clint Smith's "How the Word Is Passed" is a vital contribution to the field of African American history and a must-read for anyone seeking a fuller understanding of the United States' racial past and present. It is a powerful call to action, inspiring readers to reflect on their own role in confronting the legacy of slavery and working towards a more inclusive and just society.