Wisdom & Wordsmiths | How the Word Is Passed (Adapted for Young Readers)
Join the International African American Museum (IAAM) for a special edition of Wisdom & Wordsmiths featuring #1 New York Times bestselling author Dr. Clint Smith. In conversation with Malika N. Pryor, IAAM’s Chief Learning and Engagement Officer, Dr. Smith will discuss the young readers’ adaptation of his acclaimed book How the Word Is Passed, which explores how the legacy of slavery shapes our understanding of American history today.
Through an engaging conversation rooted in memory, identity, and the power of storytelling, this program invites families and educators to reflect on the past—and how we pass it forward.
This program is made possible through the generous support of TD Bank.
Ticket purchases include a copy of How the Word Is Passed (Adapted for Young Readers)
IAAM Members receive $5 off ticket purchases. The discount is applied automatically upon sign-in.
About Dr. Clint Smith: Clint Smith is the author of How the Word Is Passed, winner of multiple national awards, and two poetry collections. A staff writer at The Atlantic, his work spans The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, and more. A former educator and National Poetry Slam champion, Smith holds a Ph.D. in Education from Harvard and currently lives in Maryland.
About Malika N. Pryor: Malika N. Pryor is the Chief Learning and Engagement Officer at the International African American Museum, where she leads programs exploring African American history and culture. A Detroit native and former attorney, she has held leadership roles at the Charles H. Wright Museum, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, and the Detroit Historical Society. Pryor holds a J.D. from Wayne State and a B.A. from the University of Michigan.
Interested in learning more? Please click here: How The Word Is Passed (Adapted for Young Readers)
Evening Highlights:
- 6:00–6:30 PM Book Pickups
- 6:30 PM Program Begins
- 7:45–8:25 PM Book Signing
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Time: 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Museum Location: 14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC 29401 | Center for Family History
Parking Instructions: Metered parking available on Concord Street; paid parking at SC Aquarium Garage (24 Calhoun St)