The Haygoods of Columbus

The memoir offers a poignant exploration of family dynamics and community in Columbus, Ohio, through the lens of the Haygood family. Wil Haygood reflects on the complexities of his upbringing, highlighting his grandmother's cooking, his mother's nightlife, and the contrasting paths of his siblings. Central to the narrative is Mount Vernon Avenue, a vibrant hub of the black community, where he first honed his reporting skills. With themes of love, ambition, and the impact of urban renewal, Haygood captures the essence of his formative years and the ties that shape identity.