<club-desc-paragraph>How do we talk about, memorialize, and confront the legacy of slavery in America, particularly when many of its stories are ignored or erased? In his debut work of nonfiction, Clint Smith explores monuments, landmarks, and locations that are pivotal to the history of slavery—from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Plantation in Virginia to the African Burial Ground in New York City. While some truth-seekers work to uncover America’s hidden past, many of our collective narratives remain watered down, fabricated, or distorted.<club-desc-paragraph>
<club-desc-paragraph>The time has come for America to reconcile its not-so-distant history with where it stands today. Using extensive research and personal experiences, Clint offers a deeper understanding of how the truth can illuminate the past, impact the present, and inform the future. <club-desc-paragraph>
<club-desc-paragraph>Join author Clint Smith and host Nicole Ellis for Critical Conversations about the stories that shape us—and where they can take us. <club-desc-paragraph>
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<club-landing-h3>Background & Writing Process<club-landing-h3>
<club-landing-paragraph>Nicole introduces author Clint Smith, and the two discuss how to present America’s troubling past with transparency, generosity, and grace. Clint also shares how learning history in its totality can be freeing.<club-landing-paragraph>
<club-landing-h3>History, Memory, Nostalgia<club-landing-h3>
<club-landing-paragraph>Clint shares the impact of watching Confederate statues being removed in his hometown of New Orleans. He also examines how false narratives and propaganda can shape identities, relationships, and communities.<club-landing-paragraph>
<club-landing-h3>An Exploration of Resistance<club-landing-h3>
<club-landing-paragraph>Clint argues that we should study as many narratives as possible when learning about the experiences of enslaved people—although present-day suppression continues to threaten students’ access to the truth.<club-landing-paragraph>
<club-landing-h3>Hidden Stories<club-landing-h3>
<club-landing-paragraph>In his research and travels, Clint continued to learn new—and often surprising—facts about American history. He shares his learnings, along with observations that didn’t make it into the final book.<club-landing-paragraph>
<club-landing-h3>A History Book that Felt like a Novel<club-landing-h3>
<club-landing-paragraph>Clint talks about how his emotions and experiences as a Black man create intimacy in his writing. He also addresses the misconception that emotional investment impedes intellectual rigor.<club-landing-paragraph>
