On January 17, 2023, the Black & Queer AF Book Club (hosted by the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus) met to discuss and unpack “Scenes from My Life: A Memoir,” written by late actor/choreographer Michael K. Williams with Jon Sternfeld. Best known for his critically acclaimed roles in The Wire, Lovecraft Country and The Night Of, Williams passed away from an accidental fentanyl-related overdose in September 2021. Sternfeld, who helped to complete the Memoir following Williams’ death, joined the book club meeting via Zoom to talk about the writing process as well as his personal experience working with Williams.
In the following clip, co-author Jon Sternfeld talks about Michael’s sense that he wasn't “long for the world,” and always talking about being one mistake from losing it all.
With hopes of empowering, inspiring, and creating spaces for thoughtful introspection, more excerpts highlighting some of the key points from the book club can be found below:
In this clip, Sternfeld discusses the origins and dynamics of his working relationship with Michael, including his temperament during the week of his death.
In this clip, co-author Jon Sternfeld talks about the Michael K. Williams he came to know, who Michael was to his family and friends, and how he “took everybody's shit.”
In this clip, co-author Jon Sternfeld talks about the triggers that ultimately led Michael to relapse, check into rehab, and recognize that he couldn’t manage his addiction on his own.
In this clip, co-author Jon Sternfeld talks about Michael evolving and putting away his “knucklehead ways,” marking the making of Lovecraft Country marking the last time he would go through the artists’ journey without addressing his personal shit.
In this clip, co-author Jon Sternfeld talks about Michael’s painful relationship with his mother, how she saved his life and having to decide how much of her to let in and keep out of his life.
In this clip, co-author Jon Sternfeld talks about Michael’s facial scar being a major turning point in his career.
In this clip, co-author Jon Sternfeld talks about Michael and how he was raised to think men don't cry, and his commitment to redefining masculinity and what it means to be strong.
In this clip, co-author Jon Sternfeld talks about Michael’s desire to put himself first, and the possibility of having to “break up” with his 93 year old mother.