Changed for the better - Trayvon Rodgers

Changed for the Better Benjamin Evans Trayvon Rodgers The influencer

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 self-projection 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.

Changed for the Better Trayvon Rodgers

Late December 2021, a bad college girl came back on break. She was some foreign, different colors of hair, long legs, you know what come with that.

To say the least she really loved me. I loved her bad attitude with a pretty face to match her personality.

I loved her. The summer of 2020 I met a 17 year old named Laiah I was 19 years old.

I knew how to be a player, but me putting in on her and how it played out, she became my love, somebody that completed my peace.

“I b

el T h ie v e e d yo e te u b c ti u t w Bu ve s w ha t t M r c a il l t e d o y . B r o rry w o in g s t if y u t h n , I d id a g t h a in k r e e t th a ju n ’t d ry n b ey o a g h a d is g a n y oin th wh a o w t ip g t o in g as tha b d e t t h el ie v l iv e e r e e , if rin g c wou you rac ld b go e a to k. pe tria r so l ? n

You see she got my brain but on her college Christmas break is when a lot changed.

Laiah with the college life and me with the street life. I was in trouble I got up with some random she was into me, and became messy.

I can see why I got her to like me.

After that she was very relaxed and comfortable.

I still only had one love spot for Laiah so my plan was to come up the way I see fit.

While she was comfortable I went to her cashapp and sent myself $1,000.

Time went by and I put her out saying my cousin was in the hospital and that I was gone.

She was at the door knocking and saying her mom’s bank account was $1,000 negative. Doom, Doom, Doom, Doom.

The loud bang leaving the door shaking. Ding, Dong, Ding, Dong bell ringing as I made sure the door was locked.

Creeping around my own house.

She eventually left and I left out the patio, running outside on my way to I don't know where but the hell outta here.

“They are going to want specifics. Times, dates, how you know about it. And they are going to want a lie detector” I warned.

“No problem”, he returned with confidence.

I got the love of my life coming back. I wanted to have one of the best times of my life as well as money for us to do something known college was a bit up life.

Lailah came back, on her way to me she was smiling ear to ear excited. When Lailah arrived she was happy but something was wrong. The girl contacted Lailah and told her all kinds of stuff so that Lailah would leave me.

ed ed m pp r a ra e w v fi em g”. r f o t h r it in e r ve w h e h a in t e m and nt i e a v em I w a h h ey of t and h T ll g . o a im e n i t th ss t a l r n he fe io o t c o n d d it e o n t to o a n e N u d I w a a l. l c in n . e d e e o t t if t e f t h n f o w a d id a r t t s ,I p ju “ I r ie s a s a b e up b ro

We talked it out, disagreed and agreed. Lailah was so hurt, giving me the cold shoulder and going crazy. Lailah threw up shortly after. I was stung looking hopeless as I quickly rushed to see if she was ok.

Lailah and I found out she was pregnant. We went to the store and got a pregnancy test. We were happy and made love. I was in trouble again months after I went to jail. Lailah bonded me out September 29th with her hard earned money while having strong contractions.

I was held for 4 hours for them to accept the bond money thinking my girlfriend Lailah would leave me but she stayed. Walking out the door with my original clothes on and feeling the fresh air she ran up shy and happy, healthy and pregnant hugging me and I kissed her and loudly said I miss you, I love you stop acting shy. We drove home, I was looking at all the lights, traffic and people thinking to myself I’m blessed.

Lailah asked me what's wrong I replied none and pulled her towards me.

We got back home and we made love.

God called the next day with a new blessing towards a new home alone with my family.

Everything in slow motion.

All911 I can are sirenstofrom theon police, but We left and happened she went into labor.

I called andhear we decided just go our own. they were quickly on the scene, out of their car with guns drawn towards me. I felt my life was over as I put the gun down. They rushed me to the ground and handcuffed me.

We got to the hospital and told them it was an emergency as we stayed calm and One of the dealers refused to give up his money and Artis shot him. DC panicked and brave. They said she was ready to bust. The labor procedures was set up she was on tried to drive off but put the car in reverse and ran into a pole. a IV and numbing medicine as I sat in the room and threw away her throw up.

She was ok later pushing the baby out pretty easily with her body in a perfect position for a baby. I was nervous of anything bad happening and if my stomach can take this as the baby’s head came out.

Lailah wasn't breathing or pushing hard enough then with encouragement she pushed, breathed and freshly a newborn baby came out. I was startled as I seen my genes out beat hers. They let me cut the cord and cleaned and checked the baby. hey jumped into the car and told him to drive at first he hesitated then Artis put the The doctors asked me did I want to hold Lailah and I was excited and replied yes. gun to his head and said “DRIVE NIGGA” so he drove off. When they made it to the When I grabbed the baby they said daddies girl she’s your twin. safe spot Artis turned and said thanks nigga for the hook up and then BOOM, BOOM, BOOM…Safe to say they never made it to the party…Aint karma a bitch!!

My baby girl was so eyes on me and aware with her eyes open looking like she’s been here. Calmly she showed small signs of communication. I seen a remake of me feeling relieved. Lailah was in bed asking to hold the baby as she couldn't yet needing bedrest. We grew a happy family thus far and changed our ways appreciating family more and each other. Family first Family last

Trayvon Rodgers I Am From I am from the water and my Father From Great grandmother and unity I am from a proud Native American woman I am from hopeless but never gave up From Mississippi I’m from a queen who birthed 12 children And One is my Grandmother From playing the game cube And from unconditional love and growth I’m from no good get rewarded And from be a leader I’m from Greek gods I’m from Southside Chicago From dressing and soul food from root beer and tea I’m from keeping my family history going and from Thanksgiving on my birthday I’m a leap year baby every four years

Until the lion learns to write their own story, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter - African Proverb Copyright

2025