Keep going strong by Amare Weatherspoon

Keep Going Strong

by Amare Weatherspoon

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.

Keep Going Strong Amare Weatherspoon

Here I was Amare Weatherspoon at the age of 20, on this specific day was one of my happiest days in my life.

Several nights prior, I was sitting in a cell that I was temporarily housed in, thinking about everything that I accomplished while incarcerated that I didn't get to finish when I was free in society.

But nevertheless lets get back to the big day. Here I was on July 30th 2025 waking up feeling good vibes since the moment I woke up from me going to sleep this day.

While on my way to the building we were graduating from, thoughts were going through my head telling myself that ‘’you’ve finally made it’’ this is the day you’ve been working so hard for.

Arriving to the building, I was excited and ready to see my diploma, but while getting dressed in the cap and gown, I felt myself getting nervous, and sweat came down my face knowing that I will be seeing over 100 people clapping for me.

Congratulating everything I worked for, I’ll also be able to see my grandmother, Katleeen and my grandfather, Jitters, who are a big part of the reason I chose to finish school in the first place, with the motivation of my Mother, Lauren, who is also my biggest supporter.

While finishing up getting dressed I dropped a tear of joy.

As I walked out of the backroom prepared to officially graduate, I walked down the aisle spotting my grandmother and grandfather smiling.

I smiled back and threw up a heart.

Walking to the assigned seat that had my name on it, I was eager to walk across the stage now.

I was more ready than I've ever been waiting for my name to be called. I clapped for my fellow class graduates who also achieved something big today.

After cheering and congratulating them I finally heard my name being called.

It felt like a movie or a real outer body experience.

I shook my principals, my teachers and other administrators hands that I have seen around.

I took 1 more step then I was handed my diploma.

Being handed the diploma made me feel so proud of myself.

Because most of my friends that I grew up with didn't get to finish school due to different circumstances, like death or just not having the motivation to finish anymore.

After holding my diploma, I walked down the stairs, grabbed roses and walked towards my grandmother and grandfather, who were waiting to hug and take pictures with me.

While taking pictures with my grandmother and grandfather, I looked to the side and saw my grandmother, Kathleen, crying, which made me want to cry on the outside, but I cried on the inside.

After giving my grandmother my diploma, I walked back to the seat feeling proud, complete, happy and joyful all in one.

When I got back to the deck, I was having non-stop thoughts of what will be my next accomplishment.

As I sat thinking what that task will be, I came up with the conclusion to complete my own book that I’m currently working on right now.

It will be done and published by the end of this year 2025, I say all this to say whatever you put your time and energy into you can accomplish.

No matter the circumstance you’re in its always room to improve.

Amare Weatherspoon I Am From I am from Grand Crossing From basketball and playing ball I am from a home of love I am from now From a cold and windy city I’m from Lauren and Kathleen From Learning And from kindness I’m from dont give up And from listen before you speak I’m from God I’m from Chicago From jerk salmon I am from dirt dont hurt

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

2025