REAP what you sow
Devionne Jones
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
-
Devionne Jones Reap What You Sow
I feel like I perfectly should be somewhere hooping or playing football.
I’ve got the size for sure.
If I was somewhere playing sports I don’t think I'd be in the situation I’m in right now.
I would probably be in California somewhere living in a $2 million mansion with my family.
Riding around in a Rolls-Royce, G wagons and hellcats.
Yeah, I'd miss Chicago, but regret sitting in Cook County jail fighting a 21 to 45.
Because I chose to hang out around the wrong crowd.
I can’t blame nobody but myself.
After I graduated high school I should’ve just went to college.
I probably wouldn’t be here right now.
Graduating felt like I really accomplished something in my life.
I actually felt like I was smart and I didn’t let my mom down. Walking across the stage felt relaxing.
I felt like I made an example by me being the first person to graduate from high school in my household. I still felt like it wasn’t enough.
Hanging with the guys, going to parties every weekend, popping pills, x pills to be exact.
This became an everyday thing for me.
Every day all the guys wanted to do was go on the block with some girl and get drunk and high.
That's when I started hustling a lot selling pills and weed.
I was seeing a little money, but still wasn’t enough to move my family out.
I’ve never really had an answer for people when they ask why wasn’t I playing ball.
I really used to think “Because I’m in the streets.”
But I knew that was a stupid answer.
I Am From
Devionne Jones
I am from Back Of The Yard. From 54th Street.
Big Red Brick House. The trenches, a hot block.
I’m from Staci Jones and Dontrel Jones. Playing basketball at the park, Nonchalant.
I’m from “ you reap what you sow, ” And “ you will be great.”
I’m from a Christian home.
Y-3-01.
Chicken, fish, and mac and cheese.
Lady J.Humble.
Where you walk in auntie crib and it smell like fried chicken and grease.
I’m from Sherman Park playing hoops in the hood.
Graduating from DunDee Crown High School
I’m from UIC Hospital.
Wanting to go to Ohio State.
I converted to being Muslim
I worked at Taco Bell
And want to be a youth coach
I am Devionne Jones.
Until the lion learns to write their own story, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter - African Proverb
Copyright 2023 ConTextos
