Life Changing

“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 expanded into Chicago to create tangible high quality opportunities that nourish the minds, expand the voices and share the personal truths of young people who have long been underserved and underestimated.

Through the process of drafting, revising, illustrating and publishing memoirs, the Authors’ Circle members develop reflection, critical thinking, camaraderie, conflict resolution and positive self-projection.This Roseland Authors’ Circle has been based at the Youth Peace Center in Roseland, as part of Chicago CRED program.

In collaboration with:

Life Changing Devon Etheridge

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I am from Englewood, from 69th and Wolcott.

I am from the yellow house off the corner, loud, wild, and proud.

I am from the hood with the raw onions, the block that stank.

I’m from show no pain and bottled up emotions, from Life and Death.

I’m from the violent and gritty, from you gotta do better and stay out the way.

I’m from pray every night, but sin everyday.

I’m from Chiraq, noodles and ravioli, from the place where pain means love.

The hardworking single mother, struggle burned into her face.

That makes us who we are.