Until the lion learns to write their own story, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter - 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.
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The Big Dream A. Will
There was a time when I always dreamed BIG.
Playing basketball and imitating all that I had seen was fulfilling. Being the only male in my home since ‘88 produced the willingness to find myself. There was a stigma in the Black community that males raised in all women households became homosexuals.
We were taught that men had to be tough and couldn’t succumb to their emotions.
Finding my own lane, video games, basketball, and art paved the way. I was quite afraid of failure, not succeeding was frightening. Actually failure was embarrassing to me and it made me feel very uncomfortable. However, I’ve always been outgoing and love a challenge. So I challenged myself to follow my Dream. Relinquishing my fear of failure to the many adventures that lie ahead. Try-outs, scrimmages, workouts and many team practices never removed the fear of failure. Each and every basketball game I played, the nerves were severe prior to the start.
I always watched the dunk contest (NBA) as a young child.
Now the NBA slam dunk contest with Michael Jordan vs Dominique Wilkens, Kobe Bryant when he won in ‘97, and the most exciting dunker of all-time Vince Carter in 2000.
Just to give a little history. I followed those footsteps each and every step of the way. I found this to be the most fascinating thing ever. The ability to jump super high and create a stylish acrobatic dunk was jaw dropping. This ignited me to desire that very ability. My goal was to touch the net, then backboard, then the rim and then attempt to dunk. The park (Lil Jack) rims were only 9 ½ feet tall and it didn’t take me long to accomplish those goals.
My first dunk came at the age of 13 yrs. old. I now realize it’s all a God given gift and not everyone has that. God created me 6’5”, 230 lbs, with an athletic build which He is able to use me exactly for my gifts, talents, and skills.
Take a walk with me for a minute. It all started in the 3rd grade at career day when I became committed. However, let me rewind back to the Jordan Jammer basketball hoops days. The Jordan Jammer kiddy basketball rim and small orange ball was the beginning connection of my dad and I. I remember my dad played ball with his job basketball team. He played in the Post Office league and it was an amazing moment for us both. During the ride home from the game we chatted about different moments and highlights of the game. I wanted to be like my father but much better. My dad bought a Jordan Jammer for me with hopes that I’d become the hopeful ball player. I’m his oldest son and he had BIG Dreams for me. We used to joke that he would live vicariously through me. LOL. How prophetic were his hopes. Okay, yes… The Jordan Jammer was my initial start but the 3rd grade is where my mind connected with the game.
I originally wanted to be an architect because I loved to draw. I loved drawing pictures of cartoon characters, portraits of famous people, amongst many other things. My Grandmother’s bedroom was my personal art gallery. Those were the perks of being the only male. Drawing brought me so much joy and peace. At career day that was the photo I genuinely felt would be the only one.
I hadn’t thought about basketball; my passion was locked in to becoming an artist. It’s amazing how God works. This kid next to me said he wanted to be an NBA player and I thought that was cool. So I asked the teacher to allow me to take another picture in addition to my architect's picture. Not knowing that this idea was a jump start to my journey. That’s when it hit me, the recurring thought of Jordan Jammer and the stage was set. Being an 80s baby, the Basketball scene was at an All-time high. The intro to Michael Jordan and the Outros of Larry Bird & Magic Johnson. This was the perfect dialogue for my conversation with basketball. That Jordan Jammer and career day sparked a fire to God's gift within me.
5456 W Ferdinand is where I grew up. Across the street from “LiL Jack” (Levin Park), a park with a basketball court. This was my personal practice facility. I worked diligently on my skills to be a true hooper. Each and every Sunday morning when the park was empty, I was relentless in the hours I put in. Shooting free-throws without jumping, making left hand layups, and many other moves to help me achieve my Dream.
Day in, night out, rain, sleet, snow or the scorching heat I was there committed. Committed to being the best version of me that I could be. I watched the older guys in excitement and destroyed the younger guys in delight. Realizing that career day was within my reach, it thrusted me to dive in further. YMCA and Park District gyms became another place of my sanctuary. Young and older males from around the neighborhoods all came to play. These were battles and your name and reputation was on the line. My fear of failure made me play my hardest each and every time I stepped foot on the court. It didn’t matter how much bigger or older you were, I was there to succeed. My uncle Jeff used to play in the midnight league at the Austin YMCA. They had a team called the Y-Boys and I would never miss a game. We would walk around the corner to the games and I would watch some of the city’s best play night after night. I was there fantasizing about my time to play, which would only come years later.
Remembering those days also leads to the height issues that I lacked early on. It taunted me that my sister was so much taller than me. Although she was older it really pained me that I was shorter. Then one summer I was blessed to have a growth spurt of 6” inches. This transformed the dynamics of the hooper I’d soon become. I remember before the growth spurt no one wanted to pick me. It wasn’t because of my lack of skill or talent but more so I was much younger and smaller. They’d tell me, “It ain’t yo time yet young fella,” or “Wait until we’re done because the big boys are playing.” Those guys never saw me as their equal until I was looking eye 2 eye with most of them. Then I was acknowledged as someone to be considered.
However Saturday mornings [watching NBA Inside Stuff with Ahmad Rashad.] It showed all the highlights and clips of the players and the games played. That’s where I did most of my homework to learn all I could about the game. I Dreamed BIG. Much like a scouting report, where you dissect every detail and pick apart every movement. This all became invigorating and intensified my desire to play the game. I came to love Basketball.
Being the only male in my home created a path to hone in my desire. There were no interruptions to my quest for basketball. The playground was my heaven. I was blessed to have many basketballs and bring them to the court to play.
The older guys needed/wanted my good leather ball. This became my bargaining chip to a spot on the team.
Once I finally received my nod to play I truly made the best out of it. I’ve always dreamed BIG and those dreams were becoming a reality. The mere fact that I had become a regular option to play amongst the other guys boosted my confidence tremendously. When I wasn’t learning the game I was trying to perfect it via practice. Challenging myself to do things that’s uncomfortable. Then organized sports became real and I tried out for many teams. Thankfully I’ve never been cut from a team, which spoke volumes to the God given talent that He blessed me with. Talent isn’t something that should be taken for granted and it can pave a route for you in life. Growing into a young man and ball player opened doors that I never imagined before.
I came from the Westside of Chicago where gangs were truly prevalent. Plenty of nights I’d been caught in the middle of a gang shootout. Leaving the gym and entering a war zone became a norm. Skeptical if you’ll make it home safely from the gunfire. Heartache and pain were results of broken homes and drug addicts. The stricken poverty was the fuel to many failures, however this wasn’t my make up nor design. I always believed that no matter your circumstances God gave you an innate ability to win against all odds placed before you. My blessings from God and the Talent that He gave me pointed me in a different direction than most. I used my gateway to elevate my life and to succeed in my Dream and not become a victim of my environment. Struggles in childhood would cause people to either propel forward or fall backwards. Your mentality develops an inheritance of independence that guides your direction.
Basketball was my path and it awarded me some fine education and much exposure throughout the city and state. People knew of me from news clippings, videos, and the paper. However, many didn’t know me by my real name. I remember a time when a guy was telling me about high school basketball. He said, “it’s this dude named Armond Williams that be killing, have you heard of him?” I couldn't do anything at that moment but laugh. Many from my neighborhood were people who didn’t really know me but saw me around the hood. My immediate family and friends don’t call me by government name so that helped me set apart friends from fans. It felt good to be acknowledged by those I grew up around.
Dreaming big led me to attend a top medical university (UIC), where I acquired a bachelor's degree in Applied Health and Sciences with a minor in African American studies and Criminal Justice. Attending college and playing Division 1 basketball had many perks. This awarded me to sign autographs after games I've played, media day events and more things. Reflecting back on those Inside stuff, Jordan Jammers, Park Districts, and career day moments led me to places far away from the poverty and ganglands. This exposed me to a new journey and chapter of my life that would prove quite profitable. Contracts and Dollar bills, “I’m talking money. Dollar, Dollar Bills Y’all!”
e the norm all First class flights, 5 star hotels, luxury vehicles, and fine dining all becam one taught me because I Dreamed Big and of course worked hard. The crazy thing is no nt lens. the game early on. This was my destiny to see the world through a differe dream all Focus, dedication and willingness to be above the rest and following my ing big, you became a reality. Amazing from my view. When you're a kid and dream basketball, really don't understand what comes along with it. My thought process was times, all then basketball, and more basketball. I've traveled many places countless because of basketball and Dreaming Big.
As I sit back and reflect on my path of basketball a smile spreads across my face. Realizing I’m still Dreaming Big and there’s a totally different dream, But it’s always been my dream: To be the best in all my God given talents that my heart desires. I’m now an aspiring barber which takes me back to my artistry roots. Instead of drawing on paper, the people are my canvas. I'm enrolled in Larry’s Barber College in Cook County Jail. This has allowed my dreams to continue and I am truly blessed. Dream Big and Always Keep a Dream.
A. Will I Am From I am from Capitol Hill, where it’s easy to make a dollar bill. From basketball and art, across the street from the park. I am from green carpet, plastic on couches, Good china and record players. I am from climbing trees and watching snowfall. Rake the leaves and don't eat the yellow snow. I’m from Jerome with the swag and Diane with the sass. From family game nights with pokeno and monopoly. And my big sister being my protector And watch out for the birdie. I’m from choking on peppermints and Receiving the heimlich maneuver. And from not being able to swim to loving water parks. I’m from Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I’m from Chi-Town, The Windy City. From fish and spaghetti and sauerkraut and okra. From roller skating through the house on the green carpet. I am from a great family who always loved and supported me.
Until the lion learns to write their own story, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter - African Proverb Copyright
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