Picture a New Orleans poet weaving history and heart into words that resonate worldwide—meet Clint Smith! Born in 1988, this writer, scholar, and storyteller has captivated readers with his lyrical prose and unflinching exploration of America’s past. His bestseller How the Word Is Passed soared to #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list, proving his knack for making history feel alive and urgent.
With a style that blends empathy and insight, Smith’s work as a staff writer for The Atlantic and contributor to The New Yorker has cemented his role as a cultural voice. Ready to dive into a journey through his life and words? Let’s go!
The Making of Clint Smith
Clint Smith grew up in New Orleans, a city pulsing with culture and history, which shaped his storytelling. Raised in a family that valued education, he pursued a BA at Davidson College and later a PhD in Education at Harvard. His early career as a teacher sparked his passion for connecting historical narratives to modern lives, a thread that runs through his work. Influences like James Baldwin and Ta-Nehisi Coates inspired his blend of personal and political storytelling.
Clint Smith’s Unforgettable Stories
Smith’s breakout book, How the Word Is Passed (2021), is a masterful exploration of how slavery’s legacy lingers in American landmarks. From Monticello to Angola Prison, he uncovers stories with a poet’s precision and a scholar’s depth, earning the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction. His poetry collection Counting Descent (2016) is equally powerful, weaving personal reflections on Black identity with vivid imagery.
His 2023 release, Above Ground, a poetry collection, celebrates fatherhood and resilience, showcasing his tender, accessible style. Smith’s writing shines for its clarity, empathy, and ability to make complex histories relatable. Whether in prose or verse, he tackles themes of memory, race, and hope, inviting readers to confront the past while envisioning a better future.
As a journalist, Smith’s essays in The Atlantic tackle everything from Confederate monuments to education reform, blending data with human stories. His podcast appearances and TED Talks further amplify his voice, making his work a bridge between academia and everyday readers.
Why Clint Smith Matters
Clint Smith’s impact lies in his ability to make history a living conversation. His work challenges readers to face uncomfortable truths while offering hope through empathy and understanding. By centering marginalized voices, he’s reshaped how we think about America’s past and present, inspiring educators, activists, and readers globally. His awards and bestseller status reflect a legacy that’s only growing.
About Clint Smith
- Born: August 25, 1988, in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Key Works: How the Word Is Passed, Counting Descent, Above Ground
- Awards: National Book Critics Circle Award (2021), Dayton Literary Peace Prize
- Fun Fact: He’s a former high school teacher who brings classroom energy to his writing!
Ready to explore Clint Smith’s world? Grab How the Word Is Passed or Above Ground and lose yourself in his poetic, powerful stories!