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Literary Letters's avatar

My recommendation is How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith. Written by a black historian and poet, this book examines how the US reckons with the history of slavery by visiting historical tourist locations, each with a different perspective on this history: Monticello, which has gradually acknowledged the Hemings/Jefferson relationship; Whitney Plantation, which foregrounds the experiences of enslaved people through both history and art; Angola Prison, showing the link between unfreedoms of the past and present; Blandford Cemetery, where the Confederate dead are memorialized; Manhattan for a discussion of the North’s complicity in slavery; Galveston, Texas for Juneteenth celebrations and black community; and Goree Island to discuss the Transatlantic slave trade and how American slavery is viewed abroad. Smith’s poetic and empathetic narrative style makes the book a pleasure to read even as he travels through the nation’s darkest history. I think every American should read this book and would love to see it taught in High Schools.

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Ken's avatar

I have "Most Blessed of the Patriarchs" cowritten by Gordan-Reed in my to read pile. I hope its good! Have you read this one yet?

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