Nutrients To Life

“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:

Nutrients to Life Diamonte Woods

I woke up to my brother texxng me, wondering what our plan for that day was or had to oer.

As if a piece of me was about to break away.

Ignoring the fact my phone was vibraang,

I nooced it was only ďŹ ve clock and the seeling of the light through the tall glass of the building. It glazed by giving me the impression of a warm comfort, but also the awareness of a depressed cold heart that would eventually come soon. I could only ask myself why and wondered what was next, to soon ďŹ nd out it was death.

I am from a society where it’s normal to conform, from lies and manipulators.

I am from the bottom of the bottom, that corner, that block, that land called Englewood.

I am from that dirt where the nutrients to sprout is kept.

I’m from where we tote guns and sell drugs, from 07 Nino to lil Greg.

I’m from the mud more like the gutter, from alcoholics and crackheads.

I’m from Christians who judge, as if they are perfect.

I’m from Chiraq where thorns and blueberries grow.

I am from the struggle of a Indian woman who freed herself from reservation camps.