The Promise of Language

In this powerful coming-of-age memoir, linguist Keith Gilyard presents a testament to the transformative power of language. From his earliest days in 1950s and '60s Harlem through his ascent in academia, the rhythm of Black America's vernacular and music provides the backdrop to Gilyard's intellectual awakening. His journey intertwines personal growth with the multiplicity of language and the sociopolitical upheavals of the Cold War era and the Civil Rights, Black Power, and Black Arts movements. Through vibrant anecdotes and introspection, Gilyard recalls experiences in barbershops, churches, and schools, and lessons from mentors and influencers like Ed Bullins, Toni Morrison, and Paule Marshall. Each encounter brings clarity and a new lens through which to understand the world, revealing how language shapes our lives and how our lives are shaped by language.