Kiese Laymon: Heavy

Kiese Laymon is a fearless writer. In his powerful and provocative memoir, Heavy, the genre-bending essayist and novelist explores what the weight of a lifetime of secrets, lies, and deception does to a black body, a black family, and a nation teetering on the brink of moral collapse. Moving from his early experiences of sexual violence, to his suspension from college, to his trek to New York as a young college professor, Laymon charts his complex relationship with his mother, grandmother, anorexia, obesity, sex, writing, and ultimately gambling. By attempting to name secrets and lies he and his mother spent a lifetime avoiding, Laymon confronts the terrifying possibility that few in this nation actually know how to responsibly love, and even fewer want to live under the weight of actually becoming free.
This program is presented in partnership with the Center for the Study of Race, Politics & Culture at the University of Chicago.
This program was recorded on November 3, 2018.
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[@asmrcity3147]

This was an excellent interview. I agree, Lolly Bowean’s name needs to be added to the details of this video.

[@loveheals6184]

The journalist's name is Lolly Bowean.

[@frankl.5676]

What he's talking about is super deep and layered... I love his courage to talk about these difficult things

[@matissta]

Wow. Listening to Kiese speak, is as engaging as his book. Excellent interview.

[@mscarter624]

This interviewer is top notch. Now I want to find more of her interviews. ✨

[@serenity6831]

This is a wonderful discussion with a brilliant author. Kiese is such a raw artist, shout-out to Lolly for being a brilliant interviewer (and the commenter who provided her name which should already be in here)

[@loveheals6184]

I appreciate you, serenity6831 🙌🏿. Their conversation flows well, is nourishing and necessary. Their outer beauty and inner goodness are also good to witness.

[@xraivision1741]

I could listen to this brilliant vulnerable truth teller for hours. Buying the book as i type!!

[@andremadethis]

This is a wonderful conversation!

[@bykendrajo]

Kiese drops bars like parables.

[@galaxylucia1898]

Kinda annoyed they cut out the intro (since Kiese was so grateful for it), but i'm excited to hear him talk more.

[@msthang5366]

“Heavy” is so powerful!!

[@loveheals6184]

Felicia Kelley, it really is. I am thankful that he speaks about both the necessity love & that he calls out what we call love, while disregarding abuse.

[@uluvjordan]

Such great questions

[@judychristine1056]

I am here, you name was mentioned in a comment from shaderoom. I am glad to watch this.

[@HappinessTheBrand]

The journalist - she's Lolly Bowean.

[@kenroycherrington148]

I have Heavy!! Laymon is an older, more educated version of me! I relate to him.

[@zeekali3727]

He’s amazing!!!!

[@sharon_hart]

I'm getting this on audiobook to listen to. Amazing interview. Also, made me look up Nate Marshall's poetry, also awe-inspiring. Thanks.

[@menuchaliba]

Great interview.

[@LivingYourOwnLifeTV]

On writing at 14:40. Just golden.

[@southdakotanshealingracism814]

*Amazing! Thank you for sharing!*

[@dhatboiallbizness142]

Just finished the book. Good read!

[@myronsamuels6252]

The "Man in The Mirror!"

[@patriciacerqueiradossantos2882]

Ótimo autor. Livro incrível. Estou lendo em português - Pesado. Parabéns!!!!

[@thejasminebperspective]

30:00 and 40:00

[@lksturm]

14:06 17:13 20:45 21:50

[@socaljusticewarrior558]

Eating a bucket of fried chicken rn. Pint of ice cream for dessert.

[@jonbainmusicvideos8045]

so there is clearly no humanity in chicago