I want to be in the room...

This week I got myself on an airplane from Detroit to Houston to witness Ta-Nehisi Coates and Kiese Laymon in conversation with each other. I spent less than 24 hours away from home to make this trip happen, and I would do it again immediately. They were there to talk about Coates latest book, The Message (get it here if you don’t have it already). The book is split up into 3 parts: Coates spent time in Africa, South Carolina, and Palestine. You can bet which one of those 3 is getting the most press.

I wanted to see Coates in his element, not across the table from an ataganost but from a friend. And that is exactly what I got to be in the room for. Two black men who are friends and enjoy each other, respect each other, and know how to have fun with each other. I don’t want to keep the goodness to myself and if you want to watch here is a link to purchase the re-watch!

Coates and Laymon

I was in that room with them. And somebody was in the room with Toni Morrison when she was talking with Charlie Rose. Somebody was in the room with James Baldwin in conversation with Nikki Giovanni.

I often watch these videos and wonder who will the next generation be watching this same way? With so much wisdom and brilliance and pushes towards something better? It has to be Coates, Roxane, Kiese, Nikole…

I went because I wanted to be able to tell my kid that one time I was in the room.

Many thanks to the host inprint.org and Kindred Stories bookstore.

And be sure to check out Kiese’s podcast!

Love and Justice,

Austin