Kiese Laymon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kiese Laymon
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Laymon at the 2018 Texas Book Festival
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| Born | August 15, 1974 Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
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Kiese Laymon (born August 15, 1974, in Jackson, Mississippi) is an American writer. He is a professor of English and Creative Writing at Rice University. He has written a novel and two memoirs. His work often explores important topics like family, race, and life in the American South. In 2022, he received a special award called a MacArthur Fellowship.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kiese Laymon grew up in Mississippi. He went to Oberlin College and earned his first degree. Later, he received a Master's degree from Indiana University.
He also attended Jackson State University, where his mother taught. He went to Millsaps College too. While there, he faced challenges. He wrote articles for the school newspaper about race. Some people in charge did not like his writings. He was suspended for a year after taking a library book without checking it out.
Writing Journey
Laymon wrote about his experiences with racism at Millsaps. He also shared what it was like growing up as a young Black man in Mississippi. These stories were part of his book of essays.
His 2018 memoir, Heavy: An American Memoir, talks about his relationship with his mother. She taught him to love reading and writing. The book also discusses his challenges with food and certain habits. It explores themes like American racism, family, and Black life in the South.
Laymon has written for many well-known publications. These include ESPN.com, The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, and The Guardian. His writing is known for being brave, honest, and beautiful.
His first novel, Long Division, was published in June 2013. His book of essays was released in August 2013. These books were published by an independent company called Agate Publishing.
Teaching Career
Kiese Laymon has taught at several universities. He was a professor at Vassar College. He also taught Creative Writing at the University of Mississippi.
As of 2025, he is a professor of English and Creative Writing at Rice University. He helps students learn how to write their own stories and essays.
Awards and Special Recognition
Kiese Laymon has received many awards for his writing.
Major Awards
- In 2018, his memoir Heavy: An American Memoir won the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award. It also won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Autobiographical Prose.
- In 2019, Heavy: An American Memoir received the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction.
Fellowships
- From 2013 to 2014, he was named one of "The Root 100." This list includes 100 important Black influencers.
- In 2022, he received a MacArthur Fellowship. This is a very special award given to talented people in many fields.
