Clint Smith’s award-winning book “How the Word Is Passed; A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America” takes readers on a journey through historic sites in America, exploring their connections to slavery and the efforts to tell the full story of history. Smith highlights the brutal racism that characterized much of American history, including the reality of slavery at Thomas Jefferson’s plantation, Monticello. Despite Jefferson’s status as a founding father, the truth of his ownership of over 600 slaves has often been ignored in history curricula.
Smith’s book and the work being done at Monticello and other historic sites aim to shed light on the often overlooked Black history that is intertwined with America’s past. By acknowledging the full history, including the stories of enslaved individuals and their descendants, these sites are providing a more comprehensive and accurate narrative for the public.
In Vincennes, Indiana, there is an opportunity to embrace the town’s history, including the stories of slaves owned by prominent figures like William Henry Harrison and George Rogers Clark. By recognizing and sharing these narratives, Vincennes can become a more inclusive and diverse historical destination, similar to Monticello and other well-known sites.
By confronting the uncomfortable truths of America’s history, these sites are not only benefiting from increased interest and credibility, but also engaging a broader audience and telling a more complete story. It is important for all historical venues, including those in Vincennes, to reckon with their full history in order to move forward as a society and honor the legacy of those who have shaped our nation.
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