How The Word Is Passed by Clint Smith
- 1. In 'How The Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America,' Clint Smith explores the legacy of slavery through a poignant journey across various historical sites that have played significant roles in the narrative of African American history. Combining personal reflection with historical research, Smith visits locations such as Monticello, the former plantation of Thomas Jefferson, and the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana, where he confronts the stories of the enslaved individuals who once toiled on these grounds. Through his eloquent and often emotional prose, Smith invites readers to consider how the memory of slavery is preserved, taught, and sometimes forgotten in the American consciousness. He emphasizes the importance of understanding this painful history not only to honor those who suffered but also to grapple with the enduring effects of slavery in contemporary society. By weaving together narratives from both solemn and celebratory perspectives, he highlights the complexity of America's relationship with its past and challenges readers to engage with the truth of its history, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of how the legacies of slavery continue to shape the lives of countless individuals today.
Which of the following is a location Smith visits in the book?
A) Gettysburg National Park
B) Pearl Harbor
C) The Alamo
D) Monticello
- 2. The plantation Smith visits in Louisiana, which focused on telling the story of enslaved children, is called:
A) Nottoway Plantation
B) Oak Alley Plantation
C) Belle Grove Plantation
D) Whitney Plantation
- 3. In New York City, Smith visits a burial ground that is the final resting place for both free and enslaved Africans. What is it called?
A) Green-Wood Cemetery
B) The African Burial Ground National Monument
C) Trinity Church Cemetery
D) Harlem Heritage Cemetery
- 4. Smith travels to Goree Island, which is located off the coast of which African country?
A) South Africa
B) Ghana
C) Senegal
D) Nigeria
- 5. Smith's trip to Angola Prison in Louisiana draws a parallel between the prison and what historical institution?
A) A factory
B) A school
C) A fort
D) A plantation
- 6. Smith describes a monument in Galveston, Texas, related to:
A) The signing of the Emancipation Proclamation
B) Juneteenth
C) The Battle of the Alamo
D) The founding of the city
- 7. The title 'How the Word Is Passed' refers to:
A) How the story of slavery is transmitted through generations and places
B) A religious sermon
C) A game of telephone
D) The passing of a new law
- 8. What does Smith conclude about the 'Lost Cause' mythology?
A) It is a dangerous distortion of history that romanticizes the Confederacy
B) It is a harmless form of regional pride
C) It is an accurate portrayal of Southern history
D) It was created by Northern historians
- 9. What is the significance of the Whitney Plantation's approach, as described by Smith?
A) It celebrates the wealth of the plantation owner
B) It focuses on the architecture of the big house
C) It ignores the history of slavery entirely
D) It centers the experience and perspective of the enslaved
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