Book of the Bengals by ConTextos Chicago

BOOK OF THE

"Until the lion learns to write his own story, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter." - African Proverb

In collaboration with:

The ConTextos Authors Circle was developed in collaboration with young people experiencing, navigating, surviving complex traumas in El Salvador. In 2017, this innovative

program

expanded

into

Chicago

create

tangible,

high

quality

opportunities that nourish the minds, expand the voices and share the personal truths

individuals

who

have

long

been

underserved

and

underestimated.

Through the process of drafting, revising, and publishing memoirs, participants strengthen

self-reflection,

critical

thinking,

camaraderie

and

positive

self-

projection to author new life narratives.

Book of The Bengals is a compilation of memoirs from high school students of Bogan Computer Technical high School. ConTextos partnered with the Bogan learning community in their pilot year of Colloquium courses to launch the Bogan Authors

Circle.

Authors

Circle

reflects

space

meaningful

connections,

reflections, conversations and creation for important young people navigating multiple challenges and opportunities in Chicago 2021-2022.

The pieces in this compilation harness the power of personal truths and lift up important,

authentic

voices.

Our

thanks

everyone

who

made

this

journey

possible: Bogan’s leadership team, Bogan’s staff and the brave and talented authors! May the Book of The Bengals complicate narratives and embolden the vision of vibrant futures for young people of Bogan and all generations of learners, teachers and seekers near and far.

Table of Contents Introduction

Alex

Bogan Art

Brianna

Keshawn

Nyla

Janiya

Keyonna

Miguel

Arielle

Toryana

Jacob

Michael

Jasean

Antonio

John

Jamia

Mr. Budewitz

Lawyer

During Circle

Sirinity

Introduction

I walked into Bogan High School after Covid, well not after because it's still here, but anyways halfway through the program. I didn’t know what to expect from the young people. I know how I was in high school, a “lil wild child”, with a short attention span for adults. I didn’t want that same treatment. I never worked with teenagers before, so this was new to me. As I walked through the hallways of Bogan during their passing period, I had a flashback of when I was in high school trying to make it to class before the bell rang.

As I'm dodging young people on the way to the classroom, I’m getting prepared for the turmoil I fear awaits. These kids are going to eat me up! Will they think I'm not cool? Will I be able to reach them positively? These were some of the thoughts going through my head. Then I got to the classroom and we started the circle. All of my fears were in vain. All of the authors were attentive, well mannered and spoken. Every circle at Bogan high school was even better than the last in a sense of authors participating and sharing truths. The Bogan authors complicated my own assumptions of high school life!

In the short time I've been at Bogan I've seen a change in some of the authors-opening up, being vulnerable. Authors became more vocal and not afraid to share their stories. That right there is what ConTextos is all about…providing a safe space

for

individual

who

they

are.

Writing

memoirs

just

writing

(period!) gives them an outlet, a chance to be creative and also a chance to reflect on who they are. Being a freshman in high school is hard, but being a freshman during Covid and after Covid is probably harder. So I can only imagine the trials the authors went through this year.

I want to thank all of you authors for being a part of this program and being vulnerable, sharing your views, ideas and stories. This circle has motivated me, too. On my first day, I went to help Alex with His “I Am From” poem. He had a blank sheet of paper not really knowing where to start. So we basically chilled, talked and by the end of the circle he had a full completed poem that was from him, by him. The icing on the cake was when he came to me as they were leaving the room and thanked me. That made me feel like I had made a difference. Every day there are so many examples of authors reaching out to connect, support and grow.

I want to congratulate the Bengal Authors on completing and publishing their work and for embracing and living up to the Authors Circle Values: Be Brave. Be candid. Keep

open

mind.

Expand

your

comfort

zone.

Collaborate.

Seek

diverse

perspectives. Stop. Think. Feel. Ask for help. Offer support. Share and receive feedback. Embrace your growth. Embrace your truth.

I hope everyone who reads this Book of The Bengals, really listens and lets the words of these Authors resonate in their hearts and minds. Special thanks to fellow facilitators dr moore, Dimitri and everyone who made this possible.

Stay Well.

Blessings and Peace,

Jonathan Ivory ConTextos Facilitator

Bogan: Art around Us 9

Keshawn

"Throughout time, patience has been key."

- Keshawn 6 Word Memoir

Janiya

Be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.

- Janiya 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Janiya

I am from hoodies, Graphic, Nike, designer, any hoodies really. I wouldn’t feel normal without hoodies and sweaters. From sneakers, Jordans, Dunks, Converse, Yeezy, and the color yellow. I am from the Windy City, aka Chicago. Beautiful, colorful, lights downtown. I am from yellow roses, The yellow roses my mom got from nearby. I’m from a family full of love & memories to cherish. I’m from Thanksgiving and Christmas Very important holidays my family celebrates From Mama and Nukes I’m from family gatherings, we do that a lot. I’m from keeping me up, making sure I’m always good. From “I’m proud of you” and “Be yourself.”

I Am From Written by Janiya

I’m from "Get your education 'cause school is serious." From school first; it can take you a long way in life. I'm from jerk at Jerk 48, WingStop hot wings, home cooked spaghetti, and alfredo. I am from where arguments happen, but we’re always family. From grandma’s house & Tamika’s house, aka home. From family goes through things & gets through things, From sometimes pictures are all we have left. From fly high Jay/Main-Main & from “I love you.” From “Be safe” & “Call when you make it home.” I am from family is important So love each other forever, NMW.

Dear Big Brothers Written by Janiya

Dear Big Bothers,

So coming from your sister, little sister at that, it’s a lot that you might not wanna hear. It’s a lot of stuff I just feel I want my big brothers to know. Where do I start? What should I say?

Well, for starters, I feel like we should have a closer bond than we currently do. I feel like it’s a lot more stuff I want my brothers to know, but I feel like you wouldn't keep it between us. I feel like you would say something to people I wouldn't want to know besides you. I feel like out of all my brothers me and Chad are the closest, but I feel like we are closer in the category of like teenager stuff and like playing a lot and stuff. I feel like me and Nukes are the closest in general, and I feel like me and Peanut are just not close at all.

Also feel like my brothers should tell me stuff, and I want them to know I won’t tell it, and that it stays between us. Me and my brothers do have our good times. But I just don’t feel close enough with them. They might feel the same way, but they’re boys and boys and girls have a different mindset & different thoughts on things. But as far as my perspective,

brothers

should

have

closer

bond,

whereas

I’m

comfortable talking to them about stuff and things that normal sisters would talk to their brothers about. Again, me and Nukes are close and me & Chad are somewhat close, but Peanut and me are not close AT ALL and I feel like we really should be closer.

My mom has 7 kids, of which 4 are boys and 3 are girls. The ages are 22, 21, 17, 16, 15, 12, and 3. The four boys are 22, 17, 16, 3, and the 3 girls’ ages are 21, 15, and 12.

So, I feel like me and my two brothers that are 17 & 16 should be the closest because we’re 15, 16, and 17. We are really like the middle 3, so at times I’ll get bored & just think & be like “Dang, like I wanna go do something or go somewhere or my brothers will go outside or something and I wanna go with them." But they’re my brothers and they don’t want me outside with them, or they don’t ever wanna let me just be hanging out with them or anything. Like say for instance I’m bored in the house & just wanna go to my brothers' room to talk, but my brothers they not gon wanna talk; they gon want me out their room and wanna be left alone. I get it. It be like that sometimes, but like, I feel like sometimes it’s okay to have your sister hang with you & spend time with you. And, it’s not like I’m a baby or a kid. We’re basically all the same age range. Me & Chad birthdays are 1 year and a day apart and Peanut’s birthday is the month before ours.

We’re Virgos. We all are right by each other in age. We all know the same people each other knows, so it’s like why not start chilling & hanging out with each other, doing things, going places with each other. Nothing is stopping us, but us.

Now my older brother is 22 & he’s the oldest of us all. I’m close with him. I call him Nukes and honestly, out of all of us, I talk to Nukes the most is what I’d say. I go over his house the most. I text him everyday, and if we don’t text, then we talk on the phone. I think it’s just something like I don’t know a word to describe it, but me & Nukes are close enough. But I just want all my brothers to know I love them. My youngest brother is 3 so he wouldn’t understand right now. But I love my brothers. I’d die for ‘em all. I just feel like we should work on being closer to each other & bonding more with each other. That’s it.

Miguel

"Who respects you must be respected." - Miguel 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Miguel

I am from shorts From soccer and the beach. I am from the Northwest Side of Chicago, A three floor house, rented and limited. I am from Mangoes, Mangoes with spicy sauce in summer I’m from hot soup on hot days From Mom and Dad I’m from the Latin side and crazy From Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus I’m from Catholic and Church I’m from a hospital in Chicago I am from original hot from WingStop. From horchata from the local Mexican store. I’m from all the creepy family stories my older relatives used to tell me. From scary, nervous, From fun, exciting and lost.

Dear Future Me Written by Miguel

Dear Future me.

I see myself owning my own business. I don’t see myself working for anyone. I want to run my own business so I don’t have to answer to anyone else. I am willing to study welding or electricity in order to make this happen. When I do this, I will be able to work on big projects as a contractor or work on building individual homes. I want to enjoy what I do and live a life I always prayed for.

Love, Miguel

Toryana

School was boring. Why is it fun??" - Toryana "

6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Toryana

I am from tough love south. I am from loud, amusing, loving, kindred. And being loved by family as much as I can be. I am from those white make-a-wish flowers, The white dust flows into the wind. I’m from alley parties and get-togethers. From loving grandmas and Charlenes. From “Don’t let nobody stop you from doing something you love.” I’m from family and education before anything. I’m from Little Company of Mary, Barbecue and soul food. I’m from loving, supporting, dependable. I’m from loud, obnoxious, but loving. I’m from cookouts, birthdays & get-togethers, That’s when we see each other the most.

Dear Animals That Were Once Mine Written by Toryana

Dear Animals that were once mine,

There was like ten of y’all, not as a whole, 1 by 1 or 2 or 3 or 4. There was a bird, a turtle, a hamster, a cat, a handful of fishes, and so many dogs. The dogs were either sold or they died or ran away. Most of ‘em ran away and a handful died. The bird just died. I don’t know how, maybe because it was cold in the room. She died in my brother’s room. Her name was Daisy. I still hear her chirping.

We woke up to my brother saying, “Ma, Daisy not moving.” I woke up. She was stiff as a rock in that cage. I had to take her out and dump her. They be acting scary when one of the animals die; like when they was alive you was all in they face. But yea, I be having to dump all the animals.

The turtle and the hamster I don’t know how they died. They were my brothers’. He had the hamster in a shoebox bro . . . but yea.The cat was my fave of all, even though I used to HATE cats growing up, but she was different cause she was all up under everybody. But what happened to her was that she was always tryna eat something even tho we fed her 25/8 bro - snacks, food, everything. She was always tryna eat no matter how many times we fed her. She was always acting like she don’t eat. So, boom, one day my daddy was eating a chicken sandwich on my momma’s bed. She got a lil night stand.

I forgot to mention that my daddy and the cat hate each other. When she first seen him, she attacked his leg and it was up ever since. Every time he there, she is nowhere to be found. So, boom, chicken sandwich. He sat it on the lil night stand and went wherever he went. He came back and the plate was on the floor, and the cat, her name was Pebbles if I didn’t mention, she was eating the chicken sandwich.

My daddy yelled, “Boa WTF.” Everybody ran in there and by the time we all came, he was holding the cat by her back, talking ‘bout “Naw, she gotta go.”Everybody was like, “What happened? What happened?” My brother look on the ground and say “OOOOO,” and we was laughing as my daddy was walking with her. He said something like “don’t feed her enough,” da, da, da. Mind you, this the second time this happened. We literally telling him we feed her 25/8. He gets to the door and throws her outside.

So, now we skipping a few parts. She been outside for a week or a couple of days at least. She ain’t go nowhere. So, mind you, there’s stray cats on every block, so she made a couple of friends. She was gone in the day and would come back at night and slept on the balcony. So, boom, he (my dad) left and we felt so bad. We, well I, brought her back in. I washed her up real good, then blow dried her in my lap. She was not scared, not even a little.

Anytime we pulled out the blow dryer she ran and hissed, but she was calm for the most part. Who wouldn’t be? After that I tried to put her down but she wanted to stay in my lap. After a while, I got her off and let her roam the house. She went right on my sister’s bed. My mama said to get her off, even though I washed her and all. She looked drained and weakened, but that was that.

He, daddy, came back and tried to throw her back out but we convinced him not to. What was the last straw: we came back and guess where she was at bro. . . the kitchen garbage can. That was it, and we seen it for ourselves. He been tryna tell us. He threw her back outside. We went to school, came back, and she was gone completely. And we like "That’s not like her." Whole time, my mama and daddy “took her for a ride” and dropped her off. That was that.

And the fishes? We still got them.

Michael

"Watch and learn, take my steps."

- Michael 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Michael

I am from Cicero. From 25 cent and 50 cent chips. I am from El Barrio, 26th, lil’ Village. Tacos, rammers, sounds of gunshots. I am from white roses, My grandma loves to decorate her home. I’m from cookouts and arguments, From Mayra and Geo. I’m from the hard words. From make sure I go to school and “choose your friends wisely.” I’m from Santa Muerte, prayers and offerings. I’m from Guanajuato, pozole, gorditas, From the near death of my brother. I’m from the heart attack of my stepfather. From the picture at my grandma’s house That shows the timeline of my family.

Letter to Future Me Written by Michael

Dear Future Michael,

You are 21 and successful. You get a decent amount of money and you take care of yourself and your family. The past you was half potential. This future you has full potential.

Future me, in a couple of years I'ma study for what I want to learn for my future. I'ma study welding and electricity and by the time I get out of high school, I will work right away and get paid really good. And by the time I’m 22, I can even get paid $60 an hour, which will be really good for you and your family.

I can be really successful when I’m older and I'ma get a nice truck, all drop down, fully customized and make sure it is a V8 and I'ma have a great house. If that don’t work, I'ma go to the Army. So I have 2 ways to be successful. Hopefully I have even more ways to live well.

Antonio

"It all changed in an instant."

- Antonio 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Antonio

I am from the south From Aberdeen and 35 cent seeds. I am from a crib that was a fireworks store, From chill sessions and party house, Loud, junky, with smiles and laughter. I am from the tree in front of my house before it was knocked down I’m from cooking good food in the kitchen And shooting fireworks in granny’s back yard. From pizza and wings.

Letter to Future Me Written by Antonio

Dear Future Antonio,

I know you have been through a lot, but I want you to keep pushing, keep your head high. By all means, keep pushing. Everything you have been through has been for the outcome, and many blessings will come your way. It’s been a long road and we have been through a lot, but we have to keep going. There’s a lot of people, your siblings especially, depending on you.

I remember when you were little you used to jump on the bed. I even remember when a couple of your friends used to play kickball by the red gate. I remember when we used to go to the store and buy chips, pops, candy, cakes, and call it a picnic. I remember when y’all used to jump Stagg’s gate with the big track field and play football, sometimes baseball. Good times.

Jamia

"Pay attention. Always watch your surroundings." - Jamia 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Jamia

I am from music and art From drama and love. I am from teaching and guidance, Respect, courage, responsibility. I am from cocoa butter and hair grease. My family uses it for multiple reasons. I’m from parties and cooking. From Tiffany and James. I’m from shoes and friends. From “respect others” and “mind your business.” I’m from helping, being nice. I’m from St. Bernard Hospital. Pizza, Sunday cooking, and Chipotle. From having children at young ages. From having crazy friends, parks. We go to the park for multiple occasions. Parks are where the reunions take place. I’m from having fun and staying together.

Letter to My Grandmother Written by Jamia

To My Grandma,

I would say I miss you. I remember everything you told me. I respect adults and forgive even when it’s hard to. I’ve grown to learn who you should keep around and who you should let go of. I’ve also learned that you can’t go straight into judging people ‘cause you might not know what they’re going through. Now I’m starting to understand that everyone is not what they seem.

Chicago is not a safe place anymore and almost the whole family has moved away. People are just killing each other and not even caring about who they hit. It can be a newborn baby if he/she is there.

I also feel like I have matured in a good way because I have always wanted to get even with people and I realized that doesn’t hurt people; it just makes you look stupid. COVID cases have increased a lot and everyone is scared to leave out their house because of it. Aw, and Lil Durk is my new favorite rapper and that is the new talk of the town.

But I miss seeing you everyday and sometimes I need your help to stop my mom from yelling at me. Everything has been complicated in the last 2 years, but we’re making it work.

Lawyer

"When nothing goes, I go left."

- Lawyer 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Lawyer

I am from a gray Apple watch. From Gap hoodies and my Iphone XR. I am from the Dollar Tree city, Cool, windy, free. I am from Blue Eggs that I dyed for Easter. I’m from eating at dinner and braces From E and Nana I’m from a chill and supportive family From “Don’t give up” and “Be yourself.” I’m from “Education is important” and “try your best.” I’m from Chicago, From Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens’ Hospital, Downtown, to be exact. From original shrimp at Seafood Junction, Pizza from Home Run Inn & Jerk 48. I’m from my mom’s uncle always used to get in trouble when they was little The good child getting in more trouble than the bad one. I am Lawyer from "Be Brave."

Dear Anonymous Written by Lawyer

Dear Anonymous,

Hey. My name is Lawyer. I’m in the 9th grade & I would say that it’s been hard in high school. For example, math is hard because we are just given work and expected to know how to do it on our own without getting enough help or without being given direction to know how to do it. So although it’s been hard, it hasn’t really; it’s been kinda fun too. I like it a little bit. Yes, the work is hard and confusing, but I still get it done.

Another thing is that I always have help and a supportive family for me if I need them, especially my mom and Nana. Those are the two people I can most count on to do something for me. A way my Nana has my back is like when I don’t tell my mom things, I tell my Nana and she doesn’t tell my mom because it is just an US conversation. I am grateful that I have that.

Overall, high school has been good, but there are a couple of things that could be better. Ok, respect. Because there's a lot of lack of respect in the building. Like a student wants to be respected just like a teacher and same with another kid who wants to be respected too. And for the fighting here, I just think it's messy because everyone goes around instigating things that lead to fighting and everything else.

But yeah, things are good, and that’s how my life is right now.

Sirinity

"Ashes falling, they’re dragging me out."

- Sirinity 6 Word Memoir

Dear Anonymous Written by Sirinity

For my grandma.

I miss you so much. I’m 17 years old now. A lot has happened since you left me when I was only 7 years old. I got a lot to tell you. Like right now, I’m trying to find myself and a peace of mind. Ever since you left me, I lost myself. Like I went into a bad depression. I couldn’t believe that you weren’t coming back.

When it was closer to your funeral, I imagined you walking through the door, and when you didn’t, I lost it for some time. I would just lay in your bed downstairs and wait for you. I couldn’t eat for weeks cause I had lost my best friend, but I felt like I had to be strong for mom.

I miss our late night talks. We would talk about everything. Even when I was wrong, you had my back. I always felt like it was us against the world. I miss your cooking on Sundays. You always made sure you made my favorite dish: baked mac and cheese, and before everybody ate, you made sure I had a plate left over. I would give everything for one more plate.

I miss cuddling you. After a long day at work, you would still make time for me.

Alex

"Speak your mind and get respect." - Alex 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Alex

I am from Hood Legends, From stains and gains. I am from Hamlin, Mass, corner stores, and speed bumps. I am from a concrete jungle, Where only the strong survive. I’m from smiles and Sunday dinners, From Reckless and Jeancarlo. I’m from the backdoors and fake smiles, From “speak yo mind” and “get respect.” From JJ’s Fish and wings I’m from Chicago, I’m from expect the unexpected.

Brianna

I Am From Written by Brianna

I am from 69th. From Ogden Park and block parties. I am from a white house, Dysfunction and a mix of quiet and loud I am from a garden with lots of flowers, Pink, yellow, blue. I’m from birthdays at my grandma’s house.

Nyla

"Hate does not always mean love."

- Nyla 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Nyla

I am from Chicago, From Madison, Wisconsin and the Hundreds. I am from apartments, kitchen to my bedroom and back. I’m from 4 bedrooms, the color blue, and a snowy backyard. I am from nicely cut grass to snow on the sidewalk. I am from the smell of homemade gumbo To the cheesecake my momma made. I’m from homemade chicken alfredo I help my mother make. I’m from homemade fresh plants and my grandma’s OCD. I’m from my two strict grandmas. From “Stay in a child’s place,” and “Why you don’t wanna wear a dress?” I’m from Black Lives Matter to Praise the Lord. I’m from my mother’s Mothers’ Day gift, To my grandma’s soul food and my mama's seafood, From homemade cookouts to fresh grilled bbq. I’m from my dad picking me up in the middle of a holiday. I am from the family photos at the beach And going downtown every chance we get.

Dear 6th Grade Self Written by Nyla

Dear 6th Grade Self.

I wish I could tell you how much you have matured and how you have grown so much. On top of that, you will grow two inches taller. Now you’re 5 feet and 1 inch tall by the way, if you don’t know.

Dump that boy that you go out with. He is not worth it. I need you to know not to be scared of what comes your way. You’re gonna go through a lot of things that are gonna make you cry, make you happy, and sad and sometimes want to run away. You’re gonna be great someday, and when I tell you we had a glow up and in high school, we did it! I wanted you to know that you need to love yourself no matter what happens, because it’s gonna be you no matter what people do or say.

I wanted to give you this letter to let you know that I love you no matter what and I hope you smile when you see this. I love you so much! Have a good day.

Love, Nyla

Keyonna

"Love is simply a burning candle."

- Keyonna 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Keyonna

I am from hair. From dressing and jogging pants I am from Chicago.

Pandora Bracelet Written by Keyonna

I wear my Pandora bracelet on my right hand. I have four charms on my bracelet so far. This bracelet is from my mother.

I got it on Christmas last year in 2021. Lol, I felt like I was one of the rich kids for a moment because I got a Pandora bracelet. I told my mom I once felt like all rich kids had Pandora bracelets.

I got this one charm that has keys on it. I like that one the most because Key is my nickname, and on each charm of the keys it says LOVE. My other favorite charm on the bracelet is the heart charm. My mom and I have matching charms. My other heart charm is just basic, so I don’t really like that one.

Yes, I want more charms because I want my bracelet to be fitted on my wrist. I was with my family when she gave me the Pandora bracelet. I always thought that my family was rich just because we got whatever we wanted. I say the Pandora bracelet symbolizes being rich because every rich person has one, I believe.

My mom means everything to me. We act just the same. We both have the same attitude. Most people think my mom is my big sister. Something we have in common is that we both have dimples.

This bracelet fits me a lot. If you know me, then you know I love wearing bracelets.

Arielle

"Old ways don’t open new doors."

- Arielle 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Arielle

I am from jackets, Specifically, pretty ones with a solid color and pretty designs. From sneakers & shopping, Specifically Uggs, off-whites, ones, etc. Specifically from PINK, PLT, and any more girly stores I am from the brown brick house People love coming over, Last house on the block, Got tall fences around it. I am from roses in the window of the living room. I’m from going to the same elementary school my step dad went to And the same high school my mom attended. From Sandra & Andre, aka Mom and Dad I’m from a nice household and being spoiled. From “Fix your attitude” and “Stop crying before I give you something to cry about.” I’m from University of Chicago & Tupelo, Mississippi From Lim’s & Popeye’s

Dear Anonymous Written by Arielle

Dear Anonymous,

Hey my name is Arielle but everybody calls me Ari. I was born and raised in Chicago and have 5 siblings, 2 on my mom's side and 3 on my dad's side. Yes, I'm the oldest of all of them and being a big sister is decent I guess. Some facts about me are that I love the color purple. I'm 5'2, I love shopping and getting new things here and there. I’m a really cool person in general. I like to stay out of the way and just mind my business.

People who hang around me or ever hung around me would all say I’m a very nice person. I really dont talk to people like that. I like to stay to myself because I feel like everybody or anybody doesn't need to have a bond with me because people can take advantage of you. I say people can take advantage of me because of the type of person I am.

I had a bunny named Pebbles, but he passed away recently. He was my little fluffy best friend and my get away when I’m upset with the world. But ever since he’s been gone, I been ok, you can say. I miss him drinking his water bottle real loud at night when I am trying to go to sleep.

Jacob

"Seeking help is courage not weakness."

- Jacob 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Jacob

I am from riding bikes up and down my block with my friends From 71st, 50 cent chips And 99 cent juice from the hood’s corner store that everyone went to. I am from the corner house which was a home for all the family, Loud uncles, crazy stories, nonchalant people, and driving fast. I am from plants That all my family loves. I’m from a nosey family and hard headed folks with family beef. From being with the girl I love and her being as close to me as family. I’m from “watch out for people lurking outside” and the southside. From “don’t stay out late” and “watch every corner.” I’m from house parties at my grandma’s getting shot up. I’m from a family that came from Mexico. From questionable lovers. I’m from grandma’s house being an important memory for my family. From moving house to house and doing anything to make money.

Dear Future Me Written by Jacob

Dear Future Me,

I hope you have more than one way of earning income because that’s a good way to not be poor, to provide for the people you are close to, and to live a good life.

You better learn how to calm down and think things out more often, especially when it comes to her. She doesn’t deserve that from you.

Just have your life together. Start a business or something. And, especially, stop lying to yourself about what you’re gonna do and instead do something to get it done.

Jasean

"I’m so Chicago, I mean Chi-raq." - Jasean 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by Jasean

I am from white ones, From cup ‘o noodles and hoodies. I’m from family reunions and Block parties. From Shawnda and Alexis I’m from nurses and rappers Shy and quiet Christian I’m from Auburn Gresham, Chicken and tacos.

John

"Practice for losses, perform for wins." - John 6 Word Memoir

I Am From Written by John

I am from Black hoodies From poles and ski masks I am from plastic cups and paper towels I am from slipping on the ice, Messing plants up and throwing people in the snow I am from rib tips and hot days From Mom and Dad I am from the Black side and lunatic From under the bed monsters and Santa Claus I’m from Oak Lawn, chicken and bbq.

Short Essay Written by John

Living in Chicago is really like getting shot at. Almost everybody got a gun to protect themselves n sh**. I done got a pole upped on me before. Like sh** out here really be crazy asf. I got shot at before. Like it be lit, but crazy at times. Sometimes there is too much drama. That’s why I stay out the way.

"Successful people look to the past." - Mr. Budewitz 6 Word Memoir

During Authors Circle

"Until the lion learns to write his own story, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter." - African Proverb