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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[@loveheals6184]

The journalist's name is Lolly Bowean.

[@asmrcity3147]

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

[@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.

[@matissta]

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

[@frankl.5676]

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

[@mscarter624]

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

[@HappinessTheBrand]

The journalist - she's Lolly Bowean.

[@andremadethis]

This is a wonderful conversation!

[@galaxylucia1898]

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

[@xraivision1741]

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

[@bykendrajo]

Kiese drops bars like parables.

[@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.

[@kenroycherrington148]

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

[@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.

[@judychristine1056]

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

[@uluvjordan]

Such great questions

[@zeekali3727]

He’s amazing!!!!

[@menuchaliba]

Great interview.

[@thejasminebperspective]

30:00 and 40:00

[@LivingYourOwnLifeTV]

On writing at 14:40. Just golden.

[@socaljusticewarrior558]

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

[@dhatboiallbizness142]

Just finished the book. Good read!

[@lksturm]

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

[@southdakotanshealingracism814]

*Amazing! Thank you for sharing!*

[@myronsamuels6252]

The "Man in The Mirror!"

[@patriciacerqueiradossantos2882]

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

[@jonbainmusicvideos8045]

so there is clearly no humanity in chicago