February 5, 2021 The University Convocation, “The Radical Possibility and Democratic Necessity of Navel-Gazing,” was held virtually by the Public Events Committee on Monday, Jan. 28. Kiese Laymon, Hubert H. McAlexander Professor of English and Creative Writing at the University of Mississippi and the author of the book, “Heavy: An American Memoir,” spoke at the event about his writing experience with “Heavy” and the need for navel-gazing within the community. Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Public Events Committee, Allison Fleshman, is part of the selection process for Convocation speakers. “As a committee, we knew that Laymon’s ability to write and capture the southern Black experience and un-selfishly turn inward for deep introspection would benefit our ongoing campus conversations on racial and social injustice, personal reflection and continued work to create a more inclusive community,” Fleshman said.