Escaping the madness

Escaping the Madness Johnathan Reza

“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 2016, 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, literacy skills, conflict resolution and positive self-projection.

In collaboration with:

Cook County Sheriff’s Office

Escaping the Madness Johnathan Reza

Raised in a concrete jungle, it’s essential to find an escape from the madness where gang life is glorified.

Most gangs in Chicago started off as organiztions created to uplift and protect the community.

I am Johnathan Reza I am from broken mirrors.

From steel and hot ice.

I am from the forgotten depths; cold, dark and almost swallowed whole.

I am from the concrete garden, where life’s not supposed to thrive.

I’m from education and self-empowerment.

From Dena and John.

I’m from the lost realities and strong minds.

From indifferent and becoming significant.

I’m from the will God granted.

I’m from the pages of my forefathers, the fruit of wisdom, and the tree of knowledge. From the forgotten, but not alone.