PDF Summary:How the Word Is Passed, by Clint Smith

In the eye-opening How the Word Is Passed, Clint Smith examines the enduring legacy of slavery in America—a legacy that has been deeply woven into the fabric of society, from its economic foundations to systemic racism that persists today. Through his journey to historically significant sites across the United States and his explorations of how these places remember and portray their connection to slavery, Smith guides readers in confronting an aspect of American history that has been distorted and minimized.

The book challenges attempts to whitewash slavery's immense impact on shaping the nation's identity and development. By highlighting personal stories of the enslaved and examining conscious efforts to promote narratives that glorify the Confederacy while erasing slavery's horrors, Smith compels us to grapple with this dark history and the long road of reckoning that lies ahead.

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These groups aim to accomplish more than just the construction of memorials that pay tribute to the Confederacy. Through their publications, oratory, and active participation in politics, these organizations have been instrumental in shaping the conversation surrounding the Civil War. The two groups have firmly established biased beliefs, which exalt the era preceding the Civil War and either downplay or completely ignore the fundamental inhumanity of treating people as property. The ideology referred to as the Lost Cause was deliberately integrated into public school curricula by the UDC. The organization has spread educational content claiming that slavery was a system from which both the slaveholders and the enslaved gained advantages.

The discussion about whether to dismantle these monuments or to provide additional context to them has led to considerable discord among different groups.

The controversy surrounding Confederate monuments has escalated, reflecting a shift in public perception from a glorified narrative of the Lost Cause to an undeniable recognition that the preservation of slavery was the Confederacy's primary objective. The importance of this conversation is underscored by the reality that many monuments, now seen as emblems glorifying the subjugation of Black people, are intricately linked to the manner in which certain groups understand the war and their sense of self.

Many descendants regard these structures as memorials to their forebears who lost their lives in the conflict. The campaign to remove these monuments is often viewed by many as an attack on the legacy of their forebears. Relocating these monuments from areas accessible to the general public to places like museums or cemeteries would highlight the nation's commitment to a truthful historical narrative and signal a move away from glorifying the proponents of a cruel and oppressive government.

Historic plantations and sites associated with slavery have faced challenges in presenting this aspect of history with both accuracy and sensitivity.

Smith highlights the unique challenges faced by plantations. During the period of slavery, these places were crucial for both economic productivity and social engagement. The sites bore the scars of atrocious acts. A thorough comprehension of a plantation's past must include recognition of the critical contributions of the enslaved people, their forced labor, and the myriad hardships they faced. Plantations are often inaccurately romanticized as symbols of genteel Southern legacy, portrayed as peaceful communities of mutual reliance, where the enslaved were often regarded by their owners as members of their extended family.

The growing complexity of stories told at plantations mirrors a broader acknowledgment of the racial inequalities that are part of America's past, a shift partly prompted by organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center. The American public, recognizing that racial disparities are rooted in institutional frameworks and not solely individual prejudices, has grown increasingly insistent that historical locations, including estates where enslaved people were forced to work, recognize their role in shaping this historical narrative.

The Whitney Plantation emphasizes the stories and lived experiences of the enslaved individuals.

Smith explores the various methods plantations employ to acknowledge their historical connection to slavery. The tours, exhibits, and general layout at the Whitney Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana, are deliberately structured to highlight the experiences and truths of those who were enslaved. Visitors deepen their understanding of the lives of enslaved individuals by experiencing history from their own perspective. Smith highlights the rarity of this viewpoint, pointing out that many plantations still focus on the grandeur of the residences belonging to slaveholders, yet neglect to recognize the everyday lives of the enslaved people.

The Whitney stands as a symbol of both the severe challenges endured by enslaved people and their unwavering resolve, resistance, and endeavors to create strong community ties. The book meets some of its goals by weaving in stories from people who survived slavery, which were collected during the time of the New Deal through the efforts of the Federal Writers' Project. The stories shared with visitors shed light on the essence of slavery, its perpetuation of deep-seated grief through successive generations, and the manner in which its effects remain interwoven with the existence of descendants well beyond its official end.

Several locations, such as Monticello, have evolved to present a portrayal that is more comprehensive and accurate.

Smith explores locations that are increasingly acknowledging their historical connections to the institution of slavery. For many years, tours of Monticello mainly emphasized the unique architectural aspects of the estate, the role of its owner in shaping political ideas, and facets of his personal life. The plantation has only recently begun to acknowledge its connection to Jefferson's history of enslavement. Monticello has recently started offering guided tours that emphasize different aspects of Jefferson's legacy, enhancing the property's diverse attractions.

Monticello challenges its guests to confront the intricate story that underscores the ethical contradictions inherent in Jefferson's heritage. Although he authored the declaration that asserted equal rights for all, Jefferson owned slaves and held the conviction that white individuals were inherently superior to those who were Black. Smith's examination of Jefferson's personal correspondence and lifestyle uncovers the intricate nature of that era, highlighting the challenges Jefferson faced in renouncing a system from which he gained advantages, even as he openly criticized its most egregious aspects.

Other Perspectives

• The Lost Cause narrative is a historical interpretation and some argue it should be understood in its historical context rather than judged by contemporary standards.
• Some people believe that Confederate monuments are part of the cultural and historical landscape and should be preserved as reminders of the past, even if that past is painful.
• Advocates for the preservation of Confederate monuments may argue that they represent a form of historical memory that is important to some communities and should be respected.
• There is a perspective that the United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of Confederate Veterans are heritage organizations that also work to preserve history and commemorate the dead, not just promote a particular narrative.
• Some argue that the removal of monuments is a form of historical erasure and that it is better to contextualize rather than dismantle them.
• It is argued that the descendants of Confederate soldiers have a right to honor their ancestors and that the intentions of those ancestors were complex and not solely about preserving slavery.
• Some believe that plantations can serve as educational tools to teach about the antebellum South and that romanticizing certain aspects does not necessarily negate the acknowledgment of their history with slavery.
• There is an argument that focusing solely on the stories of enslaved individuals at plantation sites might overshadow other historical aspects that are also important to remember and understand.
• Regarding Monticello, some argue that emphasizing Thomas Jefferson's ownership of slaves without equal attention to his contributions to American political thought and the founding of the nation can lead to an imbalanced historical understanding.

Efforts to reconcile and rectify the historical injustices of slavery in the United States.

Various initiatives and organizations have been created to deepen the public's comprehension of the enduring impact of slavery.

Smith has observed a growing trend of initiatives aimed at raising awareness of slavery's enduring legacy and its ongoing repercussions. These initiatives have arisen as a response to the increasing discussions about racial injustice. Following tragic events such as the Charleston church shooting in 2015, the Charlottesville white-nationalist rallies in 2017, and the killing of George Floyd in 2020, American society has begun to confront the fact that racial inequality is not a coincidence but a legacy of this country’s choices.

Efforts have been made to challenge the depiction of slavery as simply an event in history, a minor aspect that holds no significance for our contemporary global society. Books, documentaries, public exhibits, and commemorative sites, along with public discussions and educational environments, are all being utilized to shed light on the significant role that the heritage of enslavement has played in forming today's society.

The institution in Washington, D.C., is a prominent entity dedicated to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural legacy and historical journey of African Americans.

Smith explores how institutions grapple with this complex historical narrative. The Museum of African American History and Culture stands as a significant symbol of this in Washington, D.C. The NMAAHC strives to offer an all-encompassing account of African American history, tracing the path from the scattering of African communities, through the period of enslavement, past the era of segregation, into the fight for civil rights, and continuing to the present day. The institution forthrightly acknowledges the numerous facets of chattel slavery and its significant impact on the lives of Black Americans. Smith offers a vivid depiction of the exhibits that feature pieces of slave ships, reconstructions of the quarters where enslaved people lived, and a variety of artifacts from Southern estates.

The writer argues that this approach helps visitors acknowledge Monticello's identity as a site of forced labor and understand how slavery has left a lasting imprint on many generations of African American people. The museum's ambitious endeavor emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the difficult elements of America's historical story.

Groups such as Take 'Em Down NOLA have played a pivotal role in New Orleans.

Smith likewise underscores the importance of grassroots initiatives that have ignited the present surge in reevaluating history. Take ‘Em Down NOLA, a group of activists in New Orleans committed to the removal of white supremacist iconography and monuments throughout the city, has been a catalyst for this movement. The group's work extends beyond the dismantling of statues and includes campaigning for the eradication of every emblem of racial supremacy, which involves changing the names of roads, schools, parks, and various public areas that bear the names of those who supported a social hierarchy rooted in the subjugation of Black people.

The writer intentionally decided to feature the group Take 'Em Down NOLA in his work. The organization and its partner are key in raising consciousness regarding the enduring effects of enslavement. The institution is dedicated to recognizing and respecting the stories and legacy of African Americans and, in alignment with this purpose, activists work to dismantle the social, political, and institutional frameworks that perpetuate harmful myths about Black communities. Each effort drives the country towards a more equitable future.

Locations around the globe with connections to the transatlantic slave trade, such as Senegal's Gorée Island, have struggled with identifying the most appropriate methods to honor and communicate the historical events of this era.

Clint Smith embarks on a journey to a location in Dakar, Senegal, widely recognized for its deep significance in commemorating the transatlantic slave trade's history. Gorée remains a significant site for contemplation among tourists and scholars, as well as individuals seeking to comprehend how their heritage is intertwined with the history of enslavement. The island is frequently regarded by Africans as emblematic of their continent's agony, while numerous Black Americans view it as a possible starting point for their forebears who were taken away by force.

Smith intentionally made Gorée a central theme in his writing. Clint Smith examines the intricate ties of slavery's legacy across various places and eras by contrasting Gorée Island with sites in the United States. Understanding the importance of each site is crucial, ranging from West Africa to Southern plantations, prisons, and historical landmarks across the country, particularly when considering how the transatlantic slave trade has significantly changed the paths of numerous family histories.

The way the House of Slaves on Gorée Island is depicted has evolved, now avoiding unsubstantiated claims about the number of enslaved people who passed through there.

Smith delves into the complex matters associated with the historical landmark referred to as the House of Slaves on Gorée Island. While initial estimates indicated a large-scale departure of enslaved people from the island, more recent research has adjusted the number to around 33,000 who undertook the perilous journey to the Americas. Eloi Coly, the museum's curator, maintains that possessing even one enslaved person is too many. His response to the question about historical inaccuracies deflects attention away from a dependence on numerical data and emphasizes the need to confront grave human rights abuses.

The controversy surrounding Gorée Island underscores a prevalent challenge at many historical sites, where what is culturally accepted as truth is often inextricably linked with the established evidence. It is the responsibility of historians to accurately convey historical events and to challenge unfounded claims, taking into account the perspectives of the communities being studied. Altering the perception of a place necessitates a sensitive approach, particularly when it involves a narrative deeply embedded in the community's identity, necessitating a technique that honors the individuals who have long revered and maintained the story.

Education in Senegal emphasizes a comprehensive exploration of African history, extending beyond just the eras of enslavement and colonial domination.

The portrayal of slavery's historical narrative in the United States has evolved to be more nuanced and intricate, and similarly, the way slavery and its enduring effects are depicted in Africa has undergone significant change. Smith's conversations with educators and historians from Senegal reveal their commitment to showcasing the history of Africa from a fresh perspective. They endeavor to transform historical accounts to highlight the past and present stories of Black people in Africa, instead of concentrating exclusively on the colonial endeavors and territorial conquests by Europeans.

Smith demonstrates how this approach influences the way history is conveyed in educational settings. The educators strive to instill in their pupils a profound respect for the cultural heritage and selfhood of their ancestors, which is not solely defined by the suffering they experienced throughout the transatlantic slave trade. By understanding that Africa has a rich history of scholarship, science, and culture, students come to realize what was lost in the years of forced displacement and exploitation. They acknowledge Africa as more than just a historical relic; it is a dynamic region where people are diligently shaping a meaningful future.

Practical Tips

• You can create a visual timeline of local history that includes the impact of slavery by researching historical records and using free online tools like Canva or Timetoast. This personal project will help you understand the local effects of slavery and its legacy. For example, if you live in New Orleans, you might include the dates of significant slave auctions, the implementation of Jim Crow laws, and the civil rights milestones in the city.
• Start a book club focused on novels and memoirs written by African American authors to gain a deeper understanding of the African American experience. By reading and discussing works that may not be widely covered in mainstream education, you and your group can appreciate the diverse narratives and contributions of African Americans. For instance, you could read "Beloved" by Toni Morrison to explore the psychological impact of slavery, followed by "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" to discuss the evolution of African American activism.
• Volunteer with a local historical society or museum to help maintain and promote exhibits related to African American history. Even without specialized knowledge, you can assist with tasks like cataloging artifacts, guiding visitors, or managing social media to raise awareness. This hands-on involvement can provide a personal connection to the history and ensure that the community remains engaged with the subject. For example, if your town has a historical site related to the Underground Railroad, you could help preserve the location and share its stories online.