The Heart Of The Matter

“Until the lion writes his own story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”

The Soy Autor writing process was developed in collaboration with young people at-risk of, victims of or perpetrators of violence in El Salvador. In 2017, this innovative program launched at Cook County Jail with young men awaiting trial for violent offenses. Through the process of drafting, revising, illustrating and publishing memoirs, the Authors’ Circle develops reflection, critical thinking, camaraderie, conflict resolution and positive self-projection.

In collaboration with:

Cook County Sheriff’s Office

The Heart of the Matter Edgardo Colon

My uncles Berto, Pappo and Eddie David. Your support means the world to me.

Especially Berto. Thank you. I love you.

To my brothers Jorge, Eddie and Jonathan. I love you. And also my cousin Jesse. Thank you. And to Joanna, Thank you for sscking by my side.

So I remember that even when mes get rough, I have people who love me and people to whom I maaer. No maaer what.

I know I maaer.

But as far as the legal system, I don’t maaer. A lot of us in jail here never maaered to the system.

I am from Humbolt park, from Jibaritos and alcapurrías.

I am from the land of the Coqui, Puerto Rico where we eat from the earth,

mangos, bananas, and quenepas.

I am from palm trees where coconuts fall, I’m from a lot of dancing and family parties, from Edgardo and Carmen.

I’m from the pork chops and coquito, from “Never wait on nobody” and “Learn to cook and feed yourself.”

I’m from people who believe in Jesus.

I am from Chicago IL,

bacalaitos, pasteles, pollo frito,

from the grandmother who loved me, took pride in me, the mother with the beautiful red hair and green eyes, where everyone has pictures of each other, a family that’s far apart, yet so close.