Clarence N. Leachman grow 2
African Proverb
The ConTextos Authors Circle was developed in collaboration with young people at-risk of, victims of, or perpetrators of violence in El Salvador. In 2017 this innovative program expanded into Chicago to create tangible, high quality opportunities that nourish the minds,,expand the voices and share the personal truths of individuals who have long been underserved and underestimated. Through the process of drafting, revising and publishing memoirs, participants develop self-reflection, critical thinking, camaraderie and positive selfprojection to author new life narratives.
Since January 2017 ConTextos has partnered with Cook County Sheriff's Office to implement Authors Circle in Cook County Department of Corrections as part of a vision for reform that recognizes the value of mental health, rehabilitation and reflection. These powerful memoirs complicate the narratives of violence and peace building, and help author a hopeful future for human beings behind walls, their families and our collective communities.
While each author’s text is solely the work of the Author, the image used to create this book’s illustrations have been sourced by various print publications. Authors curate these images and then, using only their hands, manipulate the images through tearing, folding, layering and careful positioning. By applying these collage techniques, Authors transform their written memoirs into illustrated books.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number ALN 21.027 awarded to Cook County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Until the lion learns to write their own story, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter
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Clarence N. Leachman Learning 2 Grow
Hello Mis Understanding,
I want to introduce myself. I’m one of the young black men that you secretly indicted. I’m one of the young black men you told your friend Justice to open her eyes to see. I’m one of the young black men that tried to avoid you, but you constantly pursued me as your prey. I’m one of the young black men that stood for what was right. I’m one of the young black men who thought your sister Understanding was our friend. Now, I’m one of the young black men that’s sitting in a place of the people who sent you after me. Now I’m one of the young black men that became part of a brotherhood of men that fights until the end.
In the beginning everyone is taught to live a certain lifestyle, but as one grows older you learn to live another.
Learning 2 Grow
Part One : The Life that We're Taught and the Decisions We Make.
I was born June 13, 1976 in Chicago, Il. Growing up on the eastside (Jackson Park, South Shore Area). I spent a lot of my time enjoying nature. Learning how to fish, hunt and live the outdoor life. I attended Chicago Vocational High School (CVS), located on 87th and Jeffery Blvd. While there I played football & ran track, my position was free safety (defense) and track a cross country/distance runner, to build up speed for the football field. I studied electronics, auto repair and computer information systems (C.I.S).
Going to school had its good points and bad points. The bad point was getting there because outside of the school is where the brothers roamed. The good point is on the inside family ruled and we recognized each other from the clothing we wore, Georgetown, Duke, Indiana and Houston Astros as well as other hype gear.
As a little guy I learned from my mom and dad, even though they lived in separate homes. I’m the firstborn son to both my parents, the oldest of three boys to my mom and the only child to my dad. My mom taught me to “THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU DO OR SAY ANYTHING.” My dad taught me the outdoor life. He always took me fishing in different states to multiple rivers and lakes in the places where we went. I love fishing to this day, mainly because it’s peaceful and relaxing for the mind.
I usually went hunting with him on holidays, we would hunt rabbits, pheasants and quail. Hunting is an experience like no other. It gives a different meaning to catching dinner and buying dinner. How would you feel seeing your dinner running or flying, then two days later seeing it cooked and on your table ready to eat?
Growing up I learned that hard work and determination would help me achieve the goals I set for myself. I learned that things I wanted outside of what my parents gave me I had to earn for myself. I went and got a job. My first job was at Italian Fiesta Pizzeria on 71st and Euclid, making 4.25 an hour. I was happy being able to buy a two piece, clear turquoise pager when they first came out. With money and a variety of girls, it was the life for me as an early teen before the reality of the streets kicked in.
As I grew older, I was introduced to the night lifestyle. I also started preparing my siblings who are 9 & 10 years younger than I for life, so they would be ready when they got old enough to understand. I taught them to stand together at all times because growing up they will face situations that they will need each other's strength and support.
Although my family had parties I enjoyed the hood parties more which was nothing like family parties I knew. It was the beginning of me choosing to live the eastside life, State 2 Da Lake. Hanging with the guys, working, getting money, chasing G-strings & Thongs trying to hit every party we knew of.
Grabbing $25 dolla No Limit Sacks, smoking harder than Cheech and Chong on our way to The Locker Room on 79th and Drexel, the Elk Lodge on 51st and Prairie, The Field House on 51st and Federal, and a couple others. Images on 69th and Western, All concerts on 43rd Halsted, The Amphitheater and occasionally hitting the Sexty Sex on 66th. After seeing my friends die I then decided it was time for a change, so I killed off the old me and reinvented a new me.
Part Two: The Eyes That are Looking Through Mine
My experiences after high school were quite interesting. I followed a job that led me to live and work in Fox Lake, Illinois. Being out there gave me a different outlook on life from the way I was used to living. I began to enjoy this new alternate way of living until the truth of racism knocked on my door. Physical confrontations with neo-nazi skinheads and ku klux klan members about who I dated and where I lived was an eye opening situation for me.
The biggest eye opening situation would happen to me and my family on July 9th 2004 when my 3rd oldest of 4 kids was taken from us. My princess Ariel was 8yrs old, she was my middle daughter of 3 girls under my son who is the oldest from my wife of 18yrs.
My daughter loved volleyball and Tim Duncan; she knew all his stats before I knew who he was. Even though she's gone physically I still remember the good times which were plenty. The one that stands with me the most is when she would ask when are we gonna eat? I’m sooo hungry!!! While rubbing her belly in a circle. Watching her ride our dog through the house and him acting as if she was all his.
tThefollowingyearswerehardtryingtoholdmyfamily ogether, thenIwasofferedthehandoffriendship. In
2006, Ikilledmyselfoffagain. IbecameaBrotherinthesMasonicOrdertheGrandfatherofallfraternitiesand ororities. ABrotherhoodofMenUndertheFatherhood ofGod.
Being part of a lodge gave me the opportunities to mentor and speak to many young people. Also helping guide them through some of their life’s situations. Being a pillar in the community that people can come to in times of trouble or need or just to feel safe is an awesome feeling.
Helping the younger generations find themselves and teaching them how to use their voice for good builds up Confidence and Self Respect.
Teaching them of their ancestors and their family history always seems to be an uplifting experience. Seeing them happy to learn that black people are the majority and not the minority is a plus. When they start to stand together the world will hear their voices and know that black is dominant because we are the chosen, but others want us to believe we are forgotten.
TRUE UNDERSTANDING made me realize that it was the first life I was taught, but I chose the opposite decision.
As the sounds of cannons sound off in the distance it brings forth the memories of balloons popping at birthdays of old. Be grateful and glad during this time of new, for this is the day that God's angels rescue you.
True Understanding cont.
The most dangerous friend
The world's most incredible computer
The worst thing to be without
The deadliest weapon
The two most power-fulfilled words
The greatest asset
The most worthless emotion
The most beautiful attire
The most important trait
Our most prized possession
Our worst enemy
The greatest sacrifice
A Gossiper
The Brain
Hope
The Tongue
I Can
Determination
Self-Pity
Confidence
Integrity
Faith
Ourselves
The Cross
Clarence N. Leachman
I Am From
I am from God, gifted to Clarence and Carolyn.
From Jackson Park and South Shore Areas
I am from Parkside Academy, Jackson Park Golf Course and The Cage.
From The Lake fronts, 63rd St Bongo Beach, La Rabida, and Rainbow Beach
I am from The Parkway’s Activity Center with Mrs. Canadie.
From Great America, Markham, And Screaming wheels Skating Rink.
I am from the carnivals on 67th and Stony Island
From O’Boys Grocery and Muhammad’s Hoagies.
From Big O’s Liquor and Wonder’s Grocery and Liquors.
From Harold’s Chicken,
The Doctors and Dentist Office on 67th Place and Stony Island.
I am from “think twice before you do or say anything.”
From “don't burn your bridge, you may have to cross back.”
I am from the Eastside of Chicago, Home of the President Barack Obama Library.
From learn better to do better, Do better to act better
Act better to be better
Be better and live better.
I am from the Heavenly Father through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Copyright 2023 ConTextos
Until the lion learns to write their own story, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter - African Proverb