Salon Series: A Gathering of Men

Image from The Gathering for Justice

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. We have worked with hundreds of Authors in Chicago who have been affected by violence, trauma and marginalization to begin the process of healing through self-reflection and writing. Through drafting, revising, and publishing memoirs, participants develop self-reflection and critical thinking skills, while building camaraderie and positive self-projection, all to author new life narratives.

Since January 2017, ConTextos has collaborated with Cook County Sheriff's Office to implement Authors Circle in Division 10, now Division 6, of Cook County Department of Corrections as part of a vision for reform that recognized the value of mental health, rehabilitation, and reflection. What follows here comes out of a Salon Speakers Series in which leaders and visionaries from the Chicago community participated in a shared conversation with Alum Authors. Their reflections on these powerful experiences speak to their shared humanity, the power of community, and a hopeful future for these men and their families.

INTRODUCTION SALON SPEAKER

When ConTextos first launched Authors Circles in Division X of Cook County Department of Corrections in February 2017, each participant took risks--as humans, as colleagues and as writers pioneering new possibilities. Together we entered the unknown to co-create a space where we each revealed our complex humanity through intense dialogue, radical vulnerability, deep reflection and authentic collaboration. In Authors Circle, the path toward publishing one ’ s personal memoir is both a singular and collective journey. The Authors’ first Publication Celebration, when they hold their published memoirs in their hands for the first time and present them to family, friends and the world, is a powerful pivot point.

Alum Circle is a space which affords Authors an opportunity to stay connected and engaged. This iteration of Alum Circle is driven by monthly Salon sessions that bring together members of the larger community in communion with Authors. This is a unique and enriching experience for all involved. This gathering of men, in this way, this sharing of space, this sharing of ideas, this sharing of shared humanity is frankly antithetical to life as a detainee; therefore, increasing the value of each precious meeting. This compilation, A Gathering of Men, is literally a reflection of this microcommunity’s shared journey.

Writers become Authors through the sharing of their work in publication. This compilation is testament to that. Being free to engage in Salon is a privilege not taken lightly, particularly when grappling with the very notion of doing so behind walls. The reflections in A Gathering of Men provide a window into this triumph. Turn the page and read for yourselves some of the power that comes from sharing space, sharing experience.

It is our hope that the reader gets some sense of what these gatherings mean and what they were like as much as the Alum Authors value their ongoing journey of staying engaged and connected as they author/create their futures

Peace and Blessings, slm

LISA D. DANIELS SALON SPEAKER

"Lisa D. Daniels is an advocate, leader, and speaker in the field of restorative justice who helps individuals and families find healing in the aftermath of violence and crime. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices (The Center), a nonprofit organization that offers behavior

health and trauma-recovery services to Chicago’s most underserved communities.

After the untimely death of her son Darren in 2012 due to street violence, Lisa decided to tell his story in a way that reshaped the narrative about who he was and the legacy he left behind.

Giving voice to other young men like him and their families, she established The Center to give them the tools they need to erase the residue of trauma on their lives.

In 2018, Lisa was appointed by the Governor of Illinois to serve as a member of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, a quasi-judicial body that makes decisions regarding parole, conduct, and executive clemency of incarcerated individuals. She has spoken on issues surrounding restorative justice in the media and at events held at the University of Chicago, Mothers for Justice and Equality Conference, and on NBC News Chicago."

- - www.lisaddaniels.com

INTRODUCTION TO LISA D. DANIELS

Owen

There’s something to be said about hearing what you know live. Sometimes it tends to change the whole tenor of your knowledge. Such was the case recently, when meeting a remarkable soul.

In a single moment, one comment penetrated everyone in the room. Penetrated, because it: stressed the importance of telling one ’ s own story. Solidified: the importance of letting one ’ s voice be heard. And Magnified: the importance of utilizing spaces to do so.

Spaces . . .

We come into spaces – most spaces – to: share, to learn, to get therapy, and even gain deliverance. And in every space, there are voices. And voices carry stories. So see, they all go together – spaces, voices, and stories. They all work hand-in-hand.

That comment?

“The shortest distance between two people is a story.”

A remarkable woman who’s invited us, and countless others, into her space. Lisa D. Daniels. A godsend, one who truly makes the world a better place to live and certainly to navigate She proudly carries the banner of: compassion and forgiveness. A recipe she so eagerly shares, as she lets her voice be heard while telling – her story, Darren’s story. Thank you so much.

And now it’s our time.

Real quick, I want everyone to say, “My voice matters!” See, I wanna note there’s no greater power than a person ’ s voice! So sit back. Relax. And get ready to be enthralled by – just a few, of many Authors! Men, who invite you into their space. Tell you their stories. And let – their voices be heard.

Ladies and gentlemen, the ConTextos family proudly brings you: The Hearts of Men.

REFLECTIONS

LISA D. DANIELS

Gilberto

I learned information about the job Ms. Daniels worked for the Prisoner Review Board. I learned about them being biased. That made me angry and I will strive to do something about it.

Thank you Lisa.

Jeffery

Our stories need to be told in full, not in bits and pieces. Telling our stories is the first step to healing and forgiveness. Ms. Daniels showed me that the whole world needs to hear what she is preaching and teaching.

Jesus

What I saw from Ms. Daniels- My first impression: - Determination, patience, and calm to handle and help others heal through her organization [Darren E. Easterling Center] and what she is trying to express to others.

Jose

I enjoyed seeing the power of forgiveness thru experience and how powerful it is. She mentioned that changing the system/laws won’t change the hearts of men. She also mentioned that the people up top only want to make us more comfortable, as opposed to combating the real issues associated with crime and incarceration.

REFLECTIONS LISA D. DANIELS

Julio

I think the whole experience was incredible. The fact that Ms. Daniels was able to sit in a space with 30 incarcerated people after everything Lisa has been through is absolutely amazing. It was a blessing to just be in her presence.

Leonard

I felt the positive feeling and the blessing we all had to hear Ms. Daniels talk and give her story and not let her son ’ s story be told by someone else. She gave off an energy that made me hopeful about the future of people who are incarcerated.

Kate M Smith, Chicago, 2021

LeRoy

It was a beautiful thing to be there to listen to the power that came from Ms. Daniels’ mouth. Lisa gave me hope and the power to stand up and make yourself heard. They don’t see me as a human being because I made a bad decision. What’s a heart that is not broken. To a person without experience, Life is like a heart monitor, it has its ups and downs. Why be flat without a life. Who are you? What do you do? Where are you from? When did you change your heart?

Luis

Me senti como que el sistema no le importa nada de nosotros no hacen nada para ayudarnos.

REFLECTIONS LISA D. DANIELS

Reggie

My first thoughts about Lisa D. Daniels were that she is one of the most selfless women I’ve met in my life. Her situation with her son ’ s killer is very unique and powerful, such a rare situation.

slm - Facilitator

Kate M Smith, Chicago, 2021

Ms. Daniels was the first speaker in the Salon series. She set the bar incredibly high. Watching the candidness and bravery in that space was humbling. Men expressed pain and frustration about a system intended to oppress. Ms. Daniels spoke an equal truth from both inside and outside the criminal injustice system. For 120 minutes inside Division 6 on a cold blustery evening in Chicago a micro-community of truth and restoration existed. I am grateful to have borne witness.

Thank you to Ms. Daniels and thanks to each Author in attendance.

REFLECTIONS LISA D. DANIELS

Charlton

I like Ms. Daniels' honesty. Understanding both sides and not coming out as the mother who wails and says their child was a boy scout, honor roll, and a good boy. That’s what we typically always see on tv and in the media. With Lisa Daniels, she recognizes her son and confronts it but also fights that that isn’t the only thing that is left behind for his legacy.

Also, her comment to reclaim Darren’s narrative. It’s important for the truth, your truth to come out. Not a story

Deangelo

Kate M Smith, Chicago, 2021

I feel as if I have learned a lot from our insights and from Ms. Daniels. She has taught me well and reminded me that forgiving someone is powerful. I, too, have a story very similar to Ms. Daniels. I have lost my brother to gun violence here in Chicago. My mother has experienced the same pain Ms. Daniels felt. I’m still working on that letting go. It is hard for me but Ms. Daniels inspired me to be more forgiving.

And with that, God bless that great Godfearing woman. Thank you Ms. Daniels.

REFLECTIONS LISA D. DANIELS

Owen

The salon was very informative. Ms. Daniels is a very pleasant person. Her openness and down to earth spirit was well appreciated. Ms. Daniels' insight and wisdom was enlightening. The atmosphere was warm, eye-opening. Ms. Daniels should definitely start a podcast and share with the public what was shared with us: the issues, the real issues.

Sportez

Kate M Smith, Chicago, 2021

Sitting with Lisa Daniels made me feel like a human being. She also showed me she is a strong black woman to be sitting in the space and answering the questions so openly. Also, she made me realize we shouldn’t be judged by our worst mistakes. She made me think about how I always respected my mother and how my bad decision making affected her as well. That’s really how I felt and reflected on the space with Ms. Lisa Daniels.

Armond Will

We sport Black Power shirts that’re tie-dyed

How are we screaming Black Lives Matter now that Tyre died

By the hands of our very own Blacks

Even though they’re sporting Blue? This couldn’t be unity or community love. Black on Black violence should be above All forms of hatred.

They literally beat Tyre Nichols into the pavement

STOP, Breath, Listen to my voice

We yelling that Tyre didn’t have a choice. He screamed and called for his mother

Trying to get away from 6 hateful brothers.

No wonder no other cultures respect us.

They’re being vultures to our culture disrespecting us.

Lack of trust and responsibilities in the hood

Tyre Nichols another Black brother’s life misunderstood

6 criminal Police officers, a band of misfits

We live in this World of criminal enterprises

Unknown hatred, roles of segregation, not realizing What happened to Sandra Bland, George Floyd, Mike Brown, Laquan McDonald and Breonna Taylor

Are we supposed to lie down and allow them to continue to slay us?

We must think beyond the racial color

View one another as individuals, sisters & brothers

Imagine trying to raise your kids

How to respect the Law considering the things they did

Do they really have the right to remain silent

If they put up there hands would things become violent

Police

Brutality seems like the new mentality

Each year after year there’s a new casualty

What do I say as a Father?

Is my voice effective or why bother

There’s no break or escape

They either shoot us dead or lock us behind a gate

Who wait to speak out loud?

Do We really understand the meaning of, ‘I’m Black and I’m Proud?”

ORLANDO "CHILI" MAYORGA SALON SPEAKER

Orlando Mayorga is a justice-impacted person whose 20 years of incarceration in the Illinois Department of Corrections informs his passion to stop mass incarceration. He is a Restorative Justice practitioner who values the humanity in all people and works to support healing for people who carry the trauma of incarceration. His mission in life is to end mass incarceration and to dismantle the School to Prison Pipeline.

He currently serves the Office of the Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton's Justice, Equity, and Opportunity Initiative as the McCormick Reentry Policy Coordinator Fellow.

In his previous role as Program Manager and Director of Reentry, Orlando served to build a framework for holistic reentry services that are trauma-informed and restorative at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation. He is a co-founder of the People's Liberty Project, led by directly justice-impacted women and men, focused on creating spaces for healing and drafting restorative/transformative justice policy frameworks that support healing for communities and people. Orlando is a current student in the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice where he continues to learn how to be a better servant to the beloved community.

REFLECTIONS

ORLANDO "CHILI" MAYORGA

A. Will

Orlando Chili Mayorga was very transparent and engaging in the Salon. I thank him for his testimony and candid responses to our questions. His reaction toward the introduction was very humbling and inspiring. This all gave me the opportunity to appreciate and value the insight they shared. He will make other people seek to become better people.

Buck

It was a great testimony and an inspiration to hear about your trials and tribulations. I agree that “healed people heal people.” The world needs to hear your testimony. Thank you for coming to our salon. I like who you surround yourself with behind bars. It was a great choice & it shows in your walk today!

Gilberto

Chili, you was pretty cool. Your sharing your experience and trying to help others out is amazing. We need more people like you to help out our communities. I appreciate you coming down here to Cook County to speak to us. I look up to people like you because you give me hope. . . . Healed people heal people.

ORLANDO "CHILI" MAYORGA

Charlton

Chili, one of your most powerful statements you mentioned was when you got out and someone was going to get you a job. You were shocked. I believe that he was ready for you to start immediately.

This part of your conversation with me resonated because too many of us behind bars do not plan. Each day we waste many hours doing nothing meaningful or worse nothing at all. Many behind bars are at 3 different states: we don’t know how much time we have to do, we do know how much time we have to do, or we know how much time we have to do and due to a change of circumstances we get released earlier than planned, yet unprepared.

Your message reminds me that even though I am behind bars, I am still living. Each day I can do something meaningful no matter how small, to benefit me, society, and ensure I will be ready for the world once released.

Francisco

1. I felt connected with him through his experience

2. I felt hope like to keep on in my struggle to freedom

3. I felt like with our struggles in life we can change the future with guys like him, Yaacov, Spankey. They’re really good people.

4. I got that really good vibes that day, happiness coming off of them.

5. Para Mayorga le agradezco por visitarnos y por expresar su pasado, y presente por hacer me sentir como un humano y no un hombre que perdió su vida al sistema gracias por todo.

Chili is a person that with his struggles and experiences can change the world of inmates incarcerated as well. It’s a start, with his voice for the world.

ORLANDO "CHILI" MAYORGA

REFLECTIONS Emmanuel

The only thing that came to my mind when I was sitting in space with Orlando was forgiveness, maybe because I can relate and I was ready to learn something from Orlando; however, the only thing I learned is that we have the same questions when it comes to forgiveness.

Jose

I enjoyed seeing the power of forgiveness thru experience and how powerful it is. She mentioned that changing the system/laws won’t change the hearts of men. She also mentioned that the people up top only want to make us more comfortable, as opposed to combating the real issues associated with crime and incarceration.

Jeffery

I want to let him know that we are the flowers that he learned how to grow where he was. There is no mistake in the lessons and the things God teaches us. They are not just for us but for the growth of others. We can only bloom with love. Thank you for bringing some of God’s water to help us grow.

ORLANDO "CHILI" MAYORGA

It was nice to meet another person who’s been system impacted and has come out on top. It goes to show that no matter what happens this is not the end for any of us here at CCDOC. Chili’s words allowed me to see that there’s always room for improvement within myself and everything I do. Healing starts from within and has the potential to spread as far as we allow it.

Looking back now, I really enjoyed our session with Chili because it’s great to see somebody with a similar background as ours finally succeed in life after doing all that time in prison. It’s also great to see that he was able to heal and now he’s helping others heal.

Leroy

Being in the space with Chili made me feel moved. I wanted to start my own thing. The name of my action is M.A.N. - U.P. which stands for Men and Women Achieving Necessary Unconditional Peaks. No one can stop your movement.

Jose

Julio

ORLANDO "CHILI" MAYORGA

Justin

Sittin in a room hearing words like restorative justice, my responsibility, holistic, trauma informed. . . . one would think they were in a Government council meeting. But these words & more - spoken & unspoken - floated the the air in Cook County Jail, AKA The Dump. The Dump, where society squanders the most valuable resource it has. The Dump, where hate thrives & love dies. But here in the Dump, a cabal has formed, no longer an exception to the “Rule.” We are the standard to the “Rule!” With lights like Chili, we are making it out the dark. We are sitting in settings that were reserved for the elite, for white suburbia. . . . We are healing because at the helm are people who’ve gone thru their own healing, they’ve propped open the doors to our voices, the doors to free the pain.

Francisco

Chili, I felt the vibe of your story and transformation as I’ve begun my own. What resonated with me most was how you were able to have enough control over your emotions to not retaliate on those who made threats because you knew you wanted a different life. Although I haven’t been saying “healed people heal people,” I have been practicing it with my life.

Owen

-His message of healing & love was on point.

-Great message, down-to-earth people.

-Gotta see the success of those that I’ve been there, inspiring & encouraging.

-Thoroughly enjoyed.

REFLECTIONS

ORLANDO "CHILI" MAYORGA

Perry

It was a good space. It was great to meet Orlando and hear his story and how he overcame pain, and started his journey of healing. And I just want to let everyone know that your worst mistake truly does not define you or your path in life. Chili inspired me to become the best version of myself. And my journey toward healing will be the most amazing journey of my life because not only will I get to embark on that journey but I get to bring other individuals who need to embark on that journey with me as well. Healed people - truly do heal people.

Sportez

My thoughts, feelings, and reflections on sitting in the space with Orlando Chili Mayorga was positive energy and motivation. Also, the space showed me this is not the end, and to keep pushing no matter what the situation is.

slm - Facilitator

Chili is a man who speaks quietly but speaks with a singular purpose: reaching back to help and support those going through a similar journey as his own. Mr. Mayorga understands the system of mass incarceration, he understands what the system is intended to do which is to break down individuals and tear their support systems apart. Chili has dedicated his life to undermining that structure from within, in part by his work with PBMR, the Lt. Governor’s office and through the organization he co-founded People’s Liberty Project, expressly intended to support system impacted women and men. I want to thank Mr. Mayorga for his service to the community and for sharing himself with the men of ConTextos Alum. It is no small thing to witness men speaking openly, vulnerably, powerfully, and with love.

NECOLE K. MUHAMMAD SALON SPEAKER

The Urban Social Worker

Necole K. Muhammad is an multipassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Speaker, Author, Life Coach, Certified Yoga Teacher, & Sexologist from Chicago, Illinois. Necole K. Muhammad has over 25 years of experience leading, consulting and working with individuals and groups involved in the justice and educational systems, community intervention/outreach, individual and couple counseling/coaching.

Necole K. Muhammad helps her clients to stay focused on being authentic, taking responsibility, and engaging in self preservation as they strive to live, love and lead on their highest level.

Necole K. Muhammad is a married mother of two adult children, loves reading, dancing, yoga, traveling and spending time with family, friends, her cat & dog.

REFLECTIONS

NECOLE K. MUHAMMAD

Charlton

“Let go or get dragged.” That was the most impactful quote I heard that day. I, as well as everyone, was able to enjoy that quote because it caused us all to reflect. I was able to examine the many times in my life that I got dragged when I could have let go.

Deangelo

My experience with Ms. Necole Muhummad was a great one. She had some great input on life and experiences. She taught me to keep being myself and don’t change who you are for no one. Love yourself before you can love others.

Jeffery

You were awesome at the circle and so full of love-joy-happiness and wisdom. It takes a superwoman to do what you do. Thank you for showing me and the others that there is real freedom in being ourselves. Please don’t stop being you and doing what you do. You are changing lives and saving lives. God Bless, nothing but Love.

REFLECTIONS

NECOLE K. MUHAMMAD

Juilio

Our session with Mrs. Muhammad was very enlightening. She gave a lot of insight on how to have healthy relationships and told us how she’s been involved with youth for such a long time. Working as a teacher, principal and therapist. Overall, it was a great experience. Hopefully we’ll meet more great people like the amazing Mrs. Muhammad.

Masun

My name is LeRoy Lewis. I want to thank you for coming. I’m sorry for not paying attention. I have lost two member of my family, two head pieces of my life.

When I saw you sitting next to Lisa, I immediately felt your presence. Many of your words resonated within me. I took the opportunity to ask a personal question in front of everyone because I was compelled by your energy. You told me two things that confirmed how my actions were already on the right track. You said she needed to let go or get dragged and to not add fuel to the fire. As I reflect, I am no longer adding fuel to the fire but the fire is still lit. I can’t wait for the day she lets go! I appreciate you coming in and pouring into us your knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

PEACE AND LIGHT!

REFLECTIONS

NECOLE K. MUHAMMAD

Owen

Mrs. Muhummad: was down to earth, informative, really great spirit. I enjoyed her energy and insight. Much appreciated.

Thank you, Owen

slm, Facilitator

It was powerful to hear and be witness to a group of men openly and willingly talk about relationships and feelings. From the outside, from the perspective of people who don’t know, one might be surprised by the honesty, bravery and candidness in the room. I’m not however because I have seen these men in action. Their interaction with Ms. Muhummah was real and genuine and humbling to watch Ms. Muhummad’s spirit be fed by the men and the men ’ s spirits to be fed by her. Thanks to her for taking the time to join and share.

Sportez

The salon space was interesting last Friday. Mrs. Muhummad is a very strong woman who doesn’t mind helping someone or giving good advice. I really enjoyed her.

REFLECTIONS

NECOLE K. MUHAMMAD

Perry

I hope all is well with the individual this is intended for, as well as anyone reading this. The experience in Salon with Necole Muhammad was one of a kind. Just like all of our experiences with the people we meet in this life, some experiences may be similar but no two will be the same and the experience I had was “similar” to the others in how she was present and attentive in that moment. That moment wasn’t just a “thing” for her, attempting to help change mindsets and do some sort of healing at that moment. And I definitely walked away with a changed perspective and partial healing. I appreciate you for coming out Necole and I appreciate the many people reading this – for reading this.

Author's Circle

Armond Will

Buck

Charlton

Deangelo

Emmanuel

Francisco

Gilberto

Jeffery

Jesus

Jose

Julio

CONTRIBUTORS SALON SERIES

Justin "N.O."

Leonard

LeRoy

Luis

Mason Owen

Perry

Reggie

Sportez

Layout and Design

Naimah Thomas

ConTextos Facilitator

slm

Photo courtesy of Redd F.