My GIRLS
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.
Lil ED MY GIRLS
IF NOT FOR MY GIRLS 4
Children are a gift from the Lord; Babies are a reward. Children who are born to a young man are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. Happy is the man who has the bag full of arrows.
They will not be defeated when they fight their enemies at the city gate. Psalms (127: 3-5).
My beautiful girls are a gift. The greatest gift a father could ever ask for. They bring me joy and happiness. Just the sound of their voice makes me smile. Emelia, Emiyah and Emani like Psalm 127 says, are a reward that I am a lucky man in the world to be blessed with.
Looking at their beautiful faces brings me back to the day I found out their mother was pregnant. Hearing the news about her being pregnant with Emelia. It had me a little stuck on stupid.
It might sound abnormal, but I was shocked, excited and surprised. At 19 years old, wiser and more advanced from my teenage years. I couldn’t believe what my ears were hearing.
I’ve been dating Mela's mother for 7 to 8 months. I didn’t see this coming. I remember her mama asked me, “So how do you feel”. Me looking high and ugly as usual cracked a wide smile. I said “I love you, you made me the happiest man in the world”.
Six months down the line. I’m at the Elk Grove Village ultrasound place listening to the baby’s heartbeat and taking pictures. “You want to know the gender”.
I say “It’s a boy I already know” with confidence I tell the tech. Mela momma said “Boy please it’s a girl” I looked at the tech.” It’s a girl, congrats”. Close your mouth. I told you now I got a little mini me. I just knew it was a boy.
I lost the bet we had and I had to buy lunch. We went to chipotle. Still a little shocked, I'm sitting, listening to my baby girl's heartbeat on a teddy bear, while holding the balloons that say it’s a girl.
Emelia Christine Jones was the name we agreed on. My granny ' s first name as her middle name. This was the first time I ever seen a baby being born. Let me just say wow! I looked over and I seen a little head full of hair.
There she was a pretty little light skin baby girl. “Dad, do you want to cut the cord?”. Those words took me out of my stare. I still couldn’t believe it.
Holding Emelia and kissing her was the greatest feeling in the world. The day before discharge, I took a picture of Mela resting in my hand. It was a precious moment of her laying in my hands. She cracked a pretty light smile, I would never forget.
A year and a half later we had Emiyah or Mya, or my Mya. This little girl, words can’t explain how she lights up the room. My Mya is the sweetest little girl, she always makes me smile. It never fails. She has the best hugs. Her little voice turns your whole day around. She talks to me on days to cheer me up.
She always knows what to say unlike like Mela, who is a quiet and shy princess. My Mya is always ready to make daddy smile. She doesn't know the things she says would change your mood. Thank you Mya. I love you baby girl.
You make the world around me spend. my Maya was a quiet little baby when we first brought her home. she wasn't as fussy as Mela was as a newborn. Maya always smiles when you talk to her.
Mela was born November 14th and Maya was born December 28th, my girls changed my life for the better. I transitioned from a little boy to a man. I started working a job taking on responsibilities as a man.
I felt the old me in the past moved forward to being a father. the greatest thing about being a father is coming home to your family after a long day of work.
The love when you step foot in the door is the greatest feeling in the world. Emani made sure of this or honey my youngest born on May 4th. This little lady is a handful, she always is active.
She has the prettiest little one dimple that shows when she smiles on her right cheek. It's the cutest thing ever.
Thank you God for my girls. I'm so proud of them. They are getting big fast before you know it. I will be teaching Mela how to drive lbs or taking Maya to her dance practice because she loves to dance and sing.
I can't wait to see them on their first day of high school or graduating 8th grade.
I can see Honey playing basketball or maybe softball because she is so active and has lots of energy. My girls are the biggest blessing I can ask for. My love for them can't be explained.
Like proverbs 23 and 24, the father of a good child is very happy; parents who have wise children are glad because of them.
I am more than glad to be your father. I am joyful, grateful and blessed to be called your daddy. I love ya’ll.
In Loving Memory “Sharod Johnson”
Long Live Rara
“We miss you ”
Lil ED
I Am From
II am from 60153, from Fillmore and Walnut
From the dead end and the six
I am from Jordans and a white one ’ s
I am from St Charles all the way to Roosevelt
I'm from Gina and Barlow
From Maywood Express and JJ's
I'm from family is everything
From love will get you killed
I'm heaven sent coming from hellbound
I'm from Murda Woodz
From dark days and brighter futures
From gyros and pizza puffs
From T-Rex and RaRa (Long Live RaRa)
I'm from stand ten toes and don't panic
Until the lion learns to write their own story, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter - African Proverb
