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06-17-26 Clint Smith, author of How the Word Is Passed, talks about America's history, memory, and the significance of Juneteenth with Freddie Bell
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On the KMOJ Morning Show, best-selling author, poet, and journalist Clint Smith joins Freddie Bell to discuss his acclaimed book How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America and his upcoming appearance as the featured speaker at the Minnesota Humanities Center's Juneteenth Brunch. Smith reflects on why confronting the history of slavery is essential to understanding the United States today, how communities can build a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, and why efforts to erase African American history are ultimately unsuccessful. The conversation explores the power of storytelling, historical memory, and public dialogue in shaping a more informed and equitable future. Smith also shares insights from his work as a writer and educator and discusses the enduring importance of Juneteenth as a moment for reflection, celebration, and collective learning.