Counting Descent

<p><strong>Clint Smith's debut poetry collection Counting Descent is a coming of age story that seeks to complicate our conception of lineage and tradition.</strong></p><p>Smith explores the cognitive dissonance that results from belonging to a community that unapologetically celebrates black humanity while living in a world that often renders blackness a caricature of fear. His poems move fluidly across personal and political histories all the while reflecting on the social construction of our lived experiences. Smith brings the reader on a powerful journey forcing us to reflect on all that we learn growing up and all that we seek to unlearn moving forward.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Accolades</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Winner 2017 Black Caucus of the American Library Association Literary Award </p><p><br></p><p>Finalist 2017 NAACP Image Awards </p><p><br></p><p>2017 'One Book One New Orleans' Book Selection </p>