Freedom Of Mind

“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:

Freedom of Mind Markolm Turner

I was facing 25 years at 85% for home invasion with bodily harm.

I am from the past, from the future and lost.

I am from the streets that’s not mine.

Street signs, trap houses more hate than love.

I am from the concrete, filled with R.I.P’s and stepped on roses.

Emotions that will forever be hiding under the path we walk on.

I am from a higher power and loved, from family gatherings and Mr. Millers.

I am from the school, Higgins Academy and a father of talent, from teachers telling me you gonna be somebody and everybody expressing that I am talented.

I am from a sky where stairs never stop shining and forbidden fruit.

I’m from a small gray house in Chicago.