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