How the Word Is Passed : A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America

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LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR NON-FICTION, this work offers a compelling exploration of how slavery has shaped America's collective history through a journey across significant monuments and landmarks. Starting in New Orleans, the author highlights places that reveal both the honest and hidden aspects of the past. Key locations include Monticello Plantation, where Thomas Jefferson espoused liberty while enslaving over four hundred people; Whitney Plantation, dedicated to preserving the experiences of enslaved individuals; and Angola, a former plantation now serving as a maximum-security prison for Black men laboring without pay. The narrative also touches on Blandford Cemetery, the burial site of thousands of Confederate soldiers. Through meticulous research, the book uncovers the legacy of slavery and its pervasive influence on American history, illustrating how essential stories often lie hidden in plain sight—whether in everyday locations, commemorative holidays like Juneteenth, or neighborhoods like downtown Manhattan, steeped in the history of the slave trade. A Number One New York Times bestseller, this landmark work offers fresh insights into the role of memory and history in understanding the United States, appealing to fans of Hamilton, Brit(ish), and Natives.