The Art of Change

A ConTextos Compilation

ConTextos Summer Internship Series

July 2026

The ConTextos Authors Circle was developed in collaboration with young people experiencing, navigating and surviving complex traumas 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

LION SPEAKS

the process of drafting, revising and publishing memoirs, participants strengthen self-reflection, critical thinking, camaraderie and positive self-projection to author new life narratives.

Coming Up is the culminating work from ConTextos’ 2026 summer internship in collaboration with the Steans Family Foundation, an organization dedicating time, resources and skills within the North Lawndale community. The youth featured in this compilation undertook this journey of self-reflection and subsequent creation through ConTextos’ Authors Circle. All stories matter. And every human being has stories to tell. The pages of this compilation are full of a few of them.

The writing in this compilation reveals the complex truths of powerful and beautiful Chicago youth transcending the narratives assigned to them. The works in this book are raw, real, and revealing. We invite you to behold and hold space for the inner workings of youth who are the face of the future.

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Dear Young Visionaries, You stepped into this internship with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to grow—and you’ve done exactly that. Over these weeks, you’ve learned new skills, faced challenges, and discovered strengths you didn’t even know you had. You came as individuals with your own dreams, stories, and strengths, and you leave as a collective force ready to take on

INTRODUCTION

what’s next.

Remember, growth isn’t always loud—it’s in the quiet confidence you carry now, the courage to try again, and the wisdom to know your worth. What you’ve gained here is more than experience—it’s the foundation for everything you will build next. Let your voice be heard, your ideas be seen, and your work speak for itself.

The road ahead will not always be easy, but it will always be worth it if you lead with purpose, kindness, and confidence in who you are. The world needs your ideas, you energy, and your perspective. Keep creating, keep questioning, and keep moving towards the life you imagine.

I am so proud of you, and I can’t wait to see you rise.

With Love and belief in you, Kali Rose

3

INTRODUCTION

This summer felt like no other. It was a special summer full of adventure, laughs, and awakenings within us all. When we look back on this summer years from now, we will look back fondly and amazed. Hosting 14 brilliant and creative minds from the west and south sides was such a transformative experience and most of all, a privilege. They are the ones setting the foundations of the future! Being one of the most affected groups by the problems we face today, the youth hold unique stakes in the matter. The answers to these problems are here, within us all, within Contextos, and within our youth.

The world needs more healing. When we talk about coming up, we talk about growing up.

Getting better. Coming up is the effort it takes to mentally step out of your environment, even if you're still physically in it. You start to see things differently; a different light gets shined on your perspective. That's the art of it all: stories add the color to life in all its shades and hues. It's an art to change, to reconstruct yourself closer to what you have always meant to be. And once we see ourselves as walking and living fountains of experience, we gain a curiosity for one another. We realize we are all more similar than we think.

To Contextos Youth Summer Interns this summer: I am so proud of you all; I'm proud of you all for being open-minded, for being vulnerable, for supporting each other. Thank you for making my job so fun. Thank you for all the laughs and ridiculous moments. I hope you all know you are capable of more than you think, and y'all will be great because you ARE great. If you ever need a reminder of this, you know where to find me. You will always have a home at Contextos, and we’re honored to welcome you all to the family.

Sincerely, Ahnika Franklin

4

To The Youth Who Want Change To The Young Who've Learned To Pour Into Themselves Before Anybody Else THIS IS FOR YOU

INTRODUCTION

At first, it isn't easy. At first, it isn't initially what you wanted to do, And sometimes you’ll never know what to do. Knowing that choosing yourself can feel uncomfortable because the world teaches us to pour into everyone else before we ever learn how to pour into ourselves. But learning that growth begins the moment you realize that taking care of your mind, your heart, and your purpose isn't selfish, it's necessary!

This process will NOT always be comfortable, but it's worth it because the journey is greater than the destination. Every difficult conversation, every challenge, every setback, every moment you chose healing over hurt, discipline over distraction, and purpose over popularity will shape you into the person you sacrificed everything to become.

This Internship wasn't just about showing up. It was about discovering who you are, learning what you're capable of, and understanding that your story has value. You learned that your voice matters. Your experiences matter. Your dreams matter. Never let the world convince you that your circumstances determine your future. Where you started is only the introduction, not the entire story. You have the power to write the chapters that come next.

There will be people who doubt you, overlook you, or misunderstand your vision. Let them.

Your responsibility isn't to prove them wrong, it's to remain faithful to the purpose God placed inside of you.

I hope you never stop becoming. I hope you never stop growing. I hope you never forget that the same strength that carried you through your toughest times lives within you!

Thank you for trusting me, allowing me to learn alongside you, and reminding me that change is possible when people believe in themselves and others. Keep pouring into yourselves. The world needs the people you're becoming.

Sincerely, David Abdullah

5

Dear Reader, These stories are more than words on paper—they are pieces of real lives in motion. Each

FOR THE READER

voice you meet here belongs to a young person still finding their place in the world, shaped by triumphs, struggles, questions, and hope. Their journeys will not look like yours, and that difference is where the beauty lives.

Read slowly. Listen deeply. These voices carry the weight of beginnings, the ache of lessons learned too soon, and the spark of dreams not yet realized. They are not asking for judgement—they are asking to be heard.

As you turn each page, honor their bravery for telling their own stories, allow their truths to expand your understanding, and let their words move you beyond what you know. Meet them with patience, empathy, and care—because in doing so, you help create the world they deserve to grow in.

7

"Until the lion learns to write their own story, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter."

- African Proverb

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THE COME UP: THE ART OF CHANGE TABLE OF CONTENTS

LION INTRODUCTION JU THOMAS NYEIMA BARROWS JADA DUNKENTELL DOMINIQUE WHITE KJ NEWBY KESHON ROWRY

1 3 13 17 20 25 30 34

DERRY BRANDON 39 JALEN WILLIAMS 43 RYAN PEGUE 47 DARNELL JOHNSON TAYLOR 51 55 MARQUIS CAUSEY MAURTICE MASSONBURG 59 MAYA RICHARDSON 62 65 ELIAS FOX

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JU What’s normalized is respect and disrespect: this is not just disrespect towards elders but the younger generation.

INTERGENERATIONAL BEEF

Respect is not just earned now, it's given to you based on money, age, and race.

When I was growing up kids had respect, not as much as an adult, but enough to know they're human.

Kids also knew what respect was: Not looking in grown folks' mouths. Not talking back. Being home on time but now, kids don't know anything.

That's because the parents feel as if they didn't do enough as a parent so they give them whatever they want and more.

Kids need someone to let them know right and wrong. Without that bond, kids would become wild, unpredictable and disrespectful. I've seen the younger generation disrespect the elders as jokes, for views or valid reasons.

But the problem with those “valid” reasons may be used as excuses giving the younger person a reason to go shit crazy and overdo their part. An example would be if a elderly person steps on our shoe you can say “hey/aye you did this to me” or saying "I don't know if you know, but you did this to me” This method would be good for both sides the younger side get to open up about how they without being overly disrespectful and the elders would know they’re wrong.

14

INTERGENERATIONAL BEEF (CONT.)

JU

On to the elders they may think because they’re older they may know more or know something, but in this generation if you're not a YN, you're a young man with a strong mindset. Struggle builds character and life comes with wisdom and if life is tough a 18 year old can be mentally 40 because of the things he went through in life, building right and wrongs. Elders can try to understand the new generation and even try to navigate to the new era.

I'm going to leave it at this quote a teacher gave me after I was trying to be a class clown, I yelled “look at ha she needa teacher ha self”. She looked at me and said “Mr Thomas I can learn from an ant if i pay attention”. At that moment I didn't care nor knew what that meant at the time but when it hit, it hit. Now it's your turn to think.

15

JU People, since you asked, this is why I’m changing Because I want to break that curse!

Because becoming a man is more than family moves

SINCE YOU ASKED

Because I seen my lil brother Because that shit hot Because I'm my mom only real son Because I want a son Because I can't go without taking Because I made promises and I need to keep them Because I'm maturing, because the YN life is only for the young Because I need my glasses Because I want to be something besides a “zo” or “snake” Because why be that when you know you can be better

16

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NYEIMA

Mom, since you asked, I'll tell you why I'm so nervous Because I'm broke Because I'm scared for the future to come

SINCE YOU ASKED

Because sometimes I doubt if college is really for me Because I overthink if being a vet is what I really want Because I don't know if I’ll make friends Because I don't know if I’ll have time for my hobbies Because I'm scared of debt Because I miss my baby; Myilo Because I'm only 18 Because I'll be fully independent Because if I don't speak up I‘ll miss opportunities Because if I don't speak up, I'll be left behind Because I have a fear of sounding stupid Because I don't want to change Because I don't want to let you down Because I'll be the first to do it in our family Because I don’t know if I’ll be consistent in being disciplined.

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NYEIMA

2 cups of humor

RECIPE ON HOW TO LOVE

5 cups of gifts 2 1/2 acts of service ½ tablespoon of communication 3 spoons of being open-minded 6 spoons of effort and time 6 cups of making me laugh 2 tablespoons of actually knowing my interests 3 cups of respect I need someone that cares and puts in the effort to show that they care I like to be affirmed with patience and grace I like it to be talked to like a regular person It takes a lot to love a person like me because I build love walls around my feelings.

Sometimes they dissociate my feelings, so having a person who is also gentle and takes their time to understand me. I also need someone that should know the difference between princess treatment and bare minimum!!!!!

19

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JADA Why do we live, and are living through social media? It's not normal to allow a trend to change the core of your life. It is not normal to copy and paste everything you

“NORMAL” NOT NORMAL

see, think, and feel.

So why do we do it?

Why do we allow our worth to be determined by others?

Why do we allow our comfort zone to determine who we're with and change our beliefs to whatever is the most comfortable?

Especially when change comes, when you are uncomfortable, like a snake shedding its skin, you have to shed your own beliefs and reason for thinking to become better. Instead, we surround ourselves in echo chambers and yes-men, making our minds lazy and destroying self-confidence along with self-discipline.

Why do we forget to love ourselves?

Why did we forget to tell ourselves that we are beautiful and that childish curiosity should be distorted? It's not normal to forget to love and give grace. Street lines don't exist naturally in real life, and forgetting that nature is not yours to control is not normal.

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SINCE YOU ASKED

JADA Dear Insecurity, since you asked, I’ll tell you why I’m so loud Because my family doesn't like to walk, Because my parents are older.

Because my thoughts tend to be louder, and my mouth is faster than my thoughts.

Because I’m panicking.

Because closed mouths don’t get fed, Because a dog barks before it bites, Because that's the only way to be heard.

Because maybe the echo of my voice will make it over your brick walls.

Because I listen to react, And because you're making me defensive!

Because you’re not listening, Because you only hear what you want, and it goes in one ear and out the other.

Because I have no volume control, Because I’m upset, Because you're screaming to get my attention, Because my music stays turned up, Because everyone is too busy yelling!

Because where I come from yelling is a love language.

Because I don't like to be ignored.

Because I like to stand out.

Because I can’t hide behind in the background.

Because I’m tall-ish, Because all my friends are shorter, Because I don't just speak for myself.

Because I'm passionate!

Because I get excited and I forget where I am.

Because I like to add my two cents, Because I zone out and forget I'm adding my two cents.

Because I'm a lot.

Because I don't know how to be a little; I tried, and failed.

Because I don't know how to dem my shin!

Because I don't know how not to be me.

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JADA

A STORY ABOUT DRAGONS

I need a movie about dragons, and not the basics and cliché bullshit. Not the ones where dragons are used for political gains or military destruction. They will not be chained down, muffled and killed just for existing.

I need a dragon movie, based on dragons! Their beliefs and culture, the kind of movie that leaves you feeling enlightened and in awe of another culture. This movie can't have stereotypes because that's not the point of this movie. I need this movie to be different and shame small minded thinking around these majestic creatures. I need this movie to take place in a distant - not so distant land, the kind where you see somewhere but you can't quite place it. The kind of place that feels as if it could really be like Santa in the North Pole and fairies in the forest. Dragons lived all around the world not too long ago, and you just missed them, but if you try hard enough between the Loch Ness Monster and dinosaurs, you can still see them. I need this move to have a personality, like the dragons. Not all good or all evil, all arrogant or all righties. They are just beings that exist and just like humans, theyre trying their best to exist based on what life has taught them.

This movie follows the story of a young dragon that was told to stay away from the humans because coexisting doesn't equal tranquil living, just unspoken rules and playing nice. A young human girl that would rather be anywhere else but here can't go anywhere and envies the dragon’s strength to do whatever and she secretly wishes to take this power for herself. Both just want to be free of expectations and being lived through viscerally by the rest of the world.

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A STORY ABOUT DRAGONS (CONT.)

JADA Now pause right there, because this is not a story with a happy ending. Spoiler alert! Both die in the end because they always die in the end, and their stories are not saved. It is rewritten, warped and twisted to be propaganda for the others around them to fit the narrative. But that is not the point, because if it was it would be 30 years in the future with some dragon shifting teenage black girl and white human boy. They find out the truth and go up against the government and dangerous forces to give the truth to the people and they fall in love and change the world, but that's not the point of this movie.

No one gets to tell their story but them, and we get to see the truth with our own eyes, not through flashbacks and a mysterious diary. Just a dragon and a girl who go through life figuring out that everything that they believed is a lie, seeing the beauty and the cuteness for themselves and dealing with the stares and whispers their human eyes can see and dragon ears can hear. And it's real. Because their relationship is messy. It's not perfect- it's real. They argue and fight because that's what teenagers do. They feel the pressure from their family for making them look bad.

Despite everything that is said and despite that raw emotion, you see it. Their story warped as time went on, their “fight” fueled future feuds and it was used as a war cry because they both died in the end. The credits started rolling and that's the ending because this is about an aggressive dragon, and an evil human.

You leave feeling conflicted because what the history book shows in the last scene is not the movie you watched and you realized the movie was never truly about dragons. But you were blind to the last scene. And some will continue to believe that this movie is about dragons.

24

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DOMINIQUE Dad, since you asked, I’ll tell you why I’m so unbothered Because I thought you never cared.

SINCE YOU ASKED

Because you never taught me how to ride a bike.

Because you don’t know my favorite color.

Because I always wondered.

Because you came back on your time.

Because you tried too late.

Because I’m your daughter.

Because you were never there.

Because your excuses wasn’t good enough.

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DOMINIQUE To be loved I need reassurance, honesty, kindness, Showing up for me at my saddest and happiest moments The good and the bad.

HOW TO LOVE

Standing up for me, respecting boundaries and understanding.

At home, at school, anywhere.

On a regular day I prefer cereal, But my mom loves to cook me a big breakfast.

She wakes me up whenever she's home in the morning, or my sister.

She drops me off every morning and tells me to have a good day.

The staff greets me, they always call me by my middle name which makes me feel warm with a bit of joy.

I used to HATE my middle name until Sophomore year.

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DOMINIQUE

Through the hallways we talk about class,

HOW TO LOVE

We ask each other about our day.

We talk about things that bother us.

We keep each other on time to class.

She always walks me to class.

When I crush it’s very intentional.

They have to be like the opposite of me.

I’m very shy so they have to be patient.

It takes time to open up.

I think love starts slow.

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NORMAL NOT NORMAL

When I was younger, love amazed me.

Not because I was fast.

The thought of having a lifelong partner That loves, cares, respects, Someone that’s vulnerable with you, Being there through the good and bad, Someone who’s not afraid to show that they love you, Someone understanding and patient.

DOMINIQUE

I thought that was the reality of love.

Something that’s normalized is Unhealthy relationships amongst teens.

Teen relationships are very short-lived.

Within these relationships are a lot of unhealthy expectations/behaviors, for instance, sexually interacting.

Some people often feel like it’s required to keep interest without certainty.

It leaves you feeling used, makes you feel unsure about yourself and your worth.

I never felt the pressure, but my friends did.

Seeing some of my friends doing anything to be loved by the wrong people gave me a different point of view on love.

My best friend was the most loving and caring person ever.

She was never valued the same by the one she loved, which really broke her.

If I could tell my younger self–and other girls–something, it is this.

There’s a whole bunch of life to live.

It’s okay to take the time to learn yourself And decide what energy you want around you.

One decision doesn’t define the person you are.

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KJ Ne by w

KJ Dear Reader, See, we’re all controlled by something that sometimes we can’t see, no matter if that’s money, love, hate, dreams, or even by force, but to say you’re not is to be a liar. (See, that’s the mind of the K3) well, my side anyway. You’ll hear that later (but

THE MIND OF K3

for now let me tell you) … about the mind of K3. See, I have always been here… waiting in the dark. I'm the side that wants money by any means. I'm the side people see when they go too far, but I'm not a bad person; I just protect us. And I see the truth I know when someone is lying. I’m the voice that tells others when things are not right or when we shouldn't do something, but they seem to listen. It thinks it knows better because they've been here longer, but to say it's not fair would make me seem “weak,” but I’m not. I couldn't care less about it. My job is to get us some money but maybe that’s why we're at this… ConTextos place. Without money, there's no point in living… my role would be useless, entry 1 for K3. Because I knew one day I'll have my time to shine. I never really wanted to take over, I just wanted a spot to be my own person. And since coming to Contextos.. I think I have found that. A place where I can be K3 and not KJ. A place where I'm in control and the other isn't.

Contextos has helped me find some belief in being able to be my own person, but I know soon enough.. He will be back for his spot. And I'll be ready…

Sincerely K3

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KJ

Something that shouldn’t be normalized is not speaking up about your mental

NORMAL NOT NORMAL

health. This is sometimes due to people not trusting anyone, and also people always thinking something is a game. People tend to go behind others' backs and feel cool, not caring that they're talking about someone else's feelings. How can we normalize speaking up? It’s showing someone that they have someone to lean on or just talk to whenever they need someone. Not speaking up can also impact how you feel... But most people hide their bad mental health so you wouldn't think something is going on. But people express themselves in different ways like music, writing and drugs.

For example, a lot of kids/teens have started taking pills and smoking at a young age to deal with the stress. While the older generation tells us we're too young to be dealing with stress about life. Why can't we stress? We are humans too no matter what age we are. Now if we were to change this and give people a REAL safe haven to talk about their problems and what's going on. Then maybe we could end up seeing fewer people commit suicide and more people talking about what's going on in their lives because it's not always feelings... It goes deeper. Everyone has a voice!!

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THE STRUGGLE TO GETTING RICH

KJ

You see no one talks about the struggle of getting rich. Not like some cheesy ass movie where the main character goes through something or someone dies, and they get left some money. This is about how the main character worked his ass off to become rich with no handouts. The black boy doesn't need to steal or sell drugs. He does what he loves to get paid and he stacks it up before he decides to invest and go to college, where he meets a group of people just like him who have the same dream of getting rich. They then realize they're all cousins one night while at a family event. This seems to only make the young men more motivated knowing they're best friends and cousins. The young man kay who this revolves around walks into a family event not expecting to see the people who he calls his friends. Around his aunts and uncles and when he walks over he hears his uncle call them son.

Uncle: yea cuz my sons Jay, Nile, and Jason were all sleeping when we put water on them .” Kay was shocked to hear his uncle call his friend's son. Kay then walked over like he already knew and the day went on great play and his cousins became even closer over time that people thought they were brothers and in some sense they were.

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KESHON

Dad since you asked, I’ll tell you why I’m so chill Because you told me a man that let his emotions control him is not a man Because you told me how fake people are

SINCE YOU ASKED

Because you showed me how to treat a woman Because you showed and told me there is nothing in the street life I done did some terrible things, but you told me it’s life you learn and live on That’s why I got it tatted Yeah you might not be perfect your whole life but you made sure you taught me what you knew Because you taught me lessons when I made a mistake Because you changed into a better person for us Because you showed me how to get it myself Because you made me grateful for the things I have Because you took accountability for the things you did and changed your life for the better Because you show me every day how to become a man Because when things get hard, you showed me how to push through

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NORMAL NOT NORMAL

KESHON In today's society, we have gotten to a point where things we wouldn't consider normal are normalized, like disrespect, kids not having both parents in their lives, overdoses, and drugs. For decades, police have been abusing and disrespecting people. Now, you could just be going to the store or walking outside, and four police men or women will hop out of the car, grab and search you for nothing. We shouldn't be allowed to hide people's history. A big part too, because not only black Americans, but some indigenous people don't get told the truth about history because, for years back then, we used to celebrate Columbus Day. A man who used to rape and torture kids, even parents. He even lied and said he discovered America, but it was people who already lived here. 18 states are even banning history, trying to get a law passed down that people can't learn CRT (critical race theory), which you can learn from K to 12th grade. They are literally banning the teaching of history in front of our face. We get caught up in our own ways, so some people don't even respect themselves anymore. Back then, we were strong; we came together, we had responsibilities and always took care of them. We had more rules that we followed in life, but now when you have money, that could change real fast. You can have people going against their morals and principles in life, and also money can have people betray each other. Also, it could shape who you are.

The problem is not the things that are going wrong; the problem is nobody speaks out. If nobody speaks out, then nobody would know. They say the power of the tongue, so why hold your power instead of speaking it out and letting everybody know what's going on? All it takes is one voice to be heard, and it can change a lot.

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INFLUENCERS

KESHON I want a movie called Influencers.

It would be about a group of young people—five of them: two girls and three boys.

They all used to be broke, living in not-so-good neighborhoods, and they are from different parts of the city.

They end up finding a way to become influencers, so they start doing that. They keep grinding and grinding until they become famous.

As they get bigger, they all end up getting a call from a secret agent and a man with a dark voice who doesn't show his face. They receive a call saying that they want them to sign a deal and a contract that will change their lives and their families' lives forever. However, they don't see the man's face until they meet him at his office when they are about to sign the deal.

As they are in his office, they are already familiar with each other because they are all famous. They have already heard about one another, and they have even made videos together.

As they meet in the office, the man finally comes in, revealing his appearance and telling everybody about the contract. He sells them false dreams and makes the contract sound like the opportunity of a lifetime.

The group ends up agreeing and signing the contract, not knowing what they have signed themselves into.

After that, the group starts doing different things that they never would have done when they first blew up. The way they were influencing people back then completely changes. Everything becomes weird and dark.

As they begin poisoning the youth, they start promoting and influencing bad things that kids should not be doing. They don't even realize it because they are blinded by all the benefits they are getting from it.

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INFLUENCERS (CONTINUED)

KESHON

As their popularity continues to grow higher and higher, things in the community begin changing for both the better and the worse, but they don't realize what is happening until one day.

The man who made them sign the contract invites them to his house. As they go to his house, everything looks fancy and beautiful on the outside. But when they walk inside, it feels weird. They see things they shouldn't see, and they hear things they shouldn't hear, but the man acts like nothing is going on.

The group finds everything strange, so they end up talking about it the next day.

They decide to find out who the man really is and why he is so weird.

After they find out the truth, they try to get out of the contract and tell the man they want out. But he tells them no and threatens to kill them if they try to leave.

Now the group has to survive and kill the man before he kills them.

They go through a lot of trouble and a lot of problems as they try to track the man down and stop him. Eventually, they succeed.

When they finally kill him, they tell the world who he really was, what he was really doing, and expose everything.

Everything goes back to normal, and the group returns to living regular lives—not the lives they lived when they were famous, and not the lives they lived when they were poor—but simply normal lives, remaining friends, having fun, and enjoying life together.

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DEEP DIVE OF MY LOVE

DERRY

Dear you, Love comes in many forms; there's even a language for it that has different subjects. I have a love language. It's called physical touch. It doesn't take much to love me. I'm quite the lovable person! I hug, I kiss, I reassure, I compliment, I listen, I pay attention, I observe, I remember. But I also expect the same. To me, all these things are the bare minimum and I understand if some of these things can't be reciprocated, it just means that we should resolve it with communication.

Communication is a strong version of love for me, cause it gives me a better understanding of you, which influences my love. I don't want manipulative love, or abusive love, or harmful love. I want sweet love, caring love, and encouraging love.

Sincerely, me…

40

DERRY Dear Heights, I believed you were the largest thing I feared until I got on a plane.

I believed you were my only fear until I saw a WASP. I believed you were simply too much until I went on the sky deck.

I have many fears that made my heart drop, and you were one of them until I realized

DEAR HEIGHTS

you were a figment of my imagination. until I figured out that the more I joke about you the less scary you really are, until I realized how silly other people looked when they talked in fear about you.

I feared you only until I rode my first roller coaster, until I was struck with darkness by my lonesome, until I saw how large whales looked underwater. until I really looked up at someone, until I saw what bacteria does, until I discovered the concept of death.

I no longer have this impulsive fear of you, you are no longer relevant to me.

Sincerely, me

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DERRY Oreo since you asked I'll tell you why I'm so frustrating Because I'm talking but you only hear the end of what I say Because my feelings are genuine Because you keep assuming how I feel

BEHIND THE SCENES

Because you don't understand what I'm saying Because I feel as though I'm surrounded by children Because the inconvenience are endless Because she placing all her anger on me Because no one knows what communication means Because what I say seems to not matter Because the reassuring only goes one way Because the more I talk the more silent I am Because the more I talk the more it drains me Because the more I try, the more it doesn't work in my favor Because the more I give the less I take Because I'm talking to brick walls Because brick walls are so thick and dense

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JALEN

Dear music, I come to you when everything else fails like poetry, I express everything through you.

ALTERNATE REALITY

When the pain is too severe, and the thoughts in my head are so much that it just makes my veins wanna explode “MUSIC”!

Just one song from any playlist captures me, and I go into a place which doesn’t exist in reality.

This “ different reality “ is not an escape from my life Rather, it is a deeper engagement with it.

It is where I go to recharge, to understand my emotions, and to remind myself how complex the world is.

It helps me keep going, makes me motivated when times get rough…

Since I was a teen, music has always made me feel special.

Which is why I wanna make a career out of it.

Writing a song or freestyling isn’t easy if I don’t have anything to talk about.

My pain is in my music.

I put my soul into my lyrics, hoping others relate or feel how I’ve felt.

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JALEN

Things that aren’t normal to me are little kids getting access to phones.

At an early age, all the drug use and minors having firearms have become the “NEW” normal.

THE “NEW” NORMAL

Everyone likes to follow a trend to fit in.

I was around 10 years old when I was old enough to know what drugs were and what they did to people. I always told myself I would never partake in those activities, but looking back on it. I understand I was just a kid who knew nothing about life and the problems that came with growing up.

At 10 years old, I was more worried about toys, going to school, Disney shows, and water fights in the hot summer. I learned how to be myself. Vs. Now I'm learning about adulthood and how to make money. I've learned that Chicago is a great city with a bad stigma. Life now is much more stressful than when I was a child. I have to worry about making my own decisions, buying my own things, and starting my life. Now, with all these responsibilities, I see why people choose to escape from all the hard problems, because sometimes you never get a break from your life problems

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JALEN Dad since you asked, I’ll tell you why I’m so angry Because you weren’t there Because mom did it on her own

SINCE YOU ASKED

Because I can’t love anyone Because I don’t have a great relationship with my brothers Because I can’t see others for who they are Because I don’t have a father figure Because I can’t control my emotions Because I had to do everything on my own Because I didn’t know what a healthy relationship looked like Because I’ll never be like you Because I hate you

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RYAN

NORAML NOT NORMAL

Guns, the killing, how people follow after people for real.

They’re not used to doing things on their own.

People see one person do it then everybody starts to do it.

I feel like people should be themselves, Instead of following the crowd all the time.

What we assume is normalized are the things like Baddies.

When we watch it, people seem to look at it like “I think I can fight now, I will beat everyone up” and I don’t think that’s ok.

The people on that TV show are supposed to be on there making money, not fighting.

You are supposed to show people how to make money, not fight!

I wish there was no more violence.

I wish other people knew that healing is normal.

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RYAN How to love me is to respect me.

Treat me right Don’t be fake Be worthy of my trust, Hear me out.

HOW TO LOVE ME

Love me how you would love others I will like people to talk to me how they want to be talked to I feel like you should always treat people how you want to be treated.

My mother told me this And till this day I still do it.

I need to feel loved.

I want to see the way you love me.

How to not love me is to Lose me, disrespect me, Calling me bitches or doing things that Will hurt me Showing me that love is not for me.

But I know if you respect me, You can love me.

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RYAN Let’s make a movie called Black People Do It The Best: I feel like black people are often the ones that start the new trends and inspire others.

When people see us doing it, they want to do it. I also feel like that many people do not move or do things until us black people do it.

THE BEST

This new movie would celebrate black culture. You will have people to care for each other, travel around the world, design clothes- shirts, pants, shoes--and do hair and nails.

In the movie there is: Black people helping others Black people looking over people Black people in leadership roles Black people running programs Black people building new cities Black people creating and sharing wealth Black people sharing healthy love Black people in therapy and healing Blacks do it the best.

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DARNELL

Dear Darnell, I look at the reflection and don’t even recognize you anymore, My girlfriend tells me it's because I'm getting older, but I believe it’s for a different

DEAR WRITING

reason.

I look in the mirror and don’t see the kid that was scared to be alone, scared of hurting people, putting people over your own happiness, scared of apologies.

We’ve made a lot of mistakes this year. A lot of apologies were said, a few accepted, plenty declined. But an apology is to finally let go of the emotions that come with the mistakes.

To forgive you for steering yourself in the wrong direction. If it makes you feel better, I forgive you, Darnell. Drake told us, “everything’s for a reason there's things you had to learn from them.” And you have to take those experiences and adapt, you’ll understand that only you can choose what's best for you and what decisions are best for you. Keeping your skin tough but your heart soft.

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DARNELL Dad, since you asked, I’ll tell you why I'm upset Because you're never around, Skipping from town to town Buying house on house.

Leaving me alone at home.

SINCE YOU ASKED

Because you act as if you understand, When I'm angry or when I cry, But you want me inside an office wearing suits With matching ties Because I tell you ‘I'm a star That's been destined to go far Was I crazy enough to think that I was ever up to par?

Because dad I know you love me, But you're worried about the money.

You say business moving slow, So pack your bags and come back home Because you're always on that plane.

Don’t these flights drive you insane?

You say you love me, I believe you, I just wish things would change, Because you're my dad

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Let's make a movie called Darnell Frost.

Jack Frost meets Degrassi meets this Grinch

DARNELL

DINOSAURS IN THE HOOD

A broken man, let’s call him… Darnell Frost. Darnell Frost was a cold individual, lying, stealing, unforgivable tasks.

This is a story of redemption.

One day on a sunny day, Darnell decided it was time to finally go shopping, On his way out, he decided to take money from his mom “Fifty dollars?!! I could go buy food and snacks with this” Leaving the house, Darnell sees the most beautiful girl in the world.

Of course he tried to spit game, but she could already tell he was up to no good, She said, “If you ever want this, you have to show growth,” He said, “ ”Girl I just met you, ill just talk to the next girl” but leaving out he felt as if he made a grave mistake.

On the way to the mall, images of her appear in his mind He wonders if he’d ever see her again, and if he were to change Would it be worth it?

In the store, he sees an interesting artifact of Athena, and on the side of it: the girl from before!

“Twice in a day it must be fate,” but this time it was different, Everything felt warm, his heart was beating faster and faster, trying to find the right words, But instead he lets her walk away. He knew he hadn’t changed enough for her yet.

And his heart grew 3x that day.

Since then, he stopped doing things that would get him in trouble Hoping she would notice and forgive him Good deed after good deed, day after day, 3 weeks later, after helping at a shelter, she comes up to him. He says “Look!! I’ve changed for you, I want to do better for us “ Looking into her beautiful brown eyes as if he was drowning in chocolate She says “ I have a boyfriend, you’re too late” Heart crushed and eyes crossed.

She kisses him, giving him a hint of what their future could be…

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NORMAL NOT NORMAL

MARQUIS

Disrespect is normalized because so many people do it.

And not enough people step up, which is not normal.

People assume that they know you enough or that you are a lesser person, which is why people do it.

What should be normalized is people, especially of the Black race, to step up and fend for each other like a respectful family community, all come together as 1.

That's what should be normalized in society.

Young kids are influenced into the action of killing because of the environment, which creates the problem.

I got a goal to reunite us, as we are.

We all are invited, who want to be a part?

We all are together, all for one.

Wealth and resources to do better.

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MARQUIS To show me love, tell me the truth and respect me because those are my values.

Those actions show respect to me. I don’t like liars or people who don't want to help the family.

EQUALING RESPECT

Show me that you care, that’s for the general public. If I am in need of anything in any situation and you can help, would you help? If you say yes, that's how you show me you care. If you are my brother, show me u gon ride for me. If you are my wife, be on my side and show me that you only fa me. God, Jesus, and my family is who I gotta be down fa I overcame fears, conquering new ground. Defeating all battles, overcoming doubting myself.

I love the people in our circle.

So when you ask about someone who is important to me?

Everyone.

I feel peace at ConTextos and everywhere I call home.

My family is who believes and believed in me when I did not believe in myself.

I have hope in my future.

I hope it will be a huge success, because I want to overcome the world. I know we all can if we try hard enough.

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DEAR WORLD

MARQUIS Trying to be better for my people So my people can be better.

And we can become outstanding.

Have a better role model for them to follow, Instead of them following a crowd.

I want to teach them to be independent.

A leader, wisdom finder, knowledge seeker.

I’m an inspiration to my people Jesus was heaven sent. Pooh, Brielle needs you, but we here yo mom there.

I put some truth in these words so y’all feel em.

I'm talking to the world…..

Who steps up for me? My mom!

Ion wanna talk about nun irrelevant.

MY FAMILY MY FAMILY MY FAMILY My Family I LOVE Yall!

Wanna do good but that's something you gotta try hard.

The world wants easy, which is bad.

I want to talk but people don't understand or listen.

If I talk, it seems like wasting air to certain people.

Some think killing is cool, Talking about God makes you look like a fool I don’t wanna be everybody’s friend Much love to everyone very respectful The world only cares if you’re dead or famous My family cares deeply about my every move So I don't care to be looked at as a fool to fools People used as tools If I’m smarter I can run what God allows.

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MAURTICE

Mom since you asked, I’ll tell you why I’m so sleepy Because I was on the game

SINCE YOU ASKED

Because I wanted to have fun Because I can’t have fun if I’m losing Because the wi-fi sucks Because of Jackson I can’t have fun Because of Jackson I can’t escape my thoughts Because of my thoughts I can’t sleep Because my thoughts will become nightmares Because I am sleepy.

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MAURTICE

I want to make a movie called Power, where all the Power Ranger universes come together in a gladiator ring after aliens have taken over Earth and are asking them for entertainment. In my movie I want them to fight other creatures that the aliens have collected from other universes, like a cyborg T. rex, to make it more interesting.

POWER

And at the end of the movie, I want a new cast of Power Rangers to come and save the remaining fighters by coming together and overtaking them, just for it all to be a little kid's dream.

The boy later went on to tell his friends and they all could imagine themselves all out there fighting as Power Rangers, fighting aliens and using their superpowers to jump on the dinosaur's back; then they went to recess to make these imaginations a fun game.

As the kids were playing, a giant silhouette covered the sun, with a loud roar of an engine causing them to look up and see a UFO. The end.

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MAYA

DEAR MOM

Dear Mom, You’re so close yet so far away. I think about you every day, and I miss you more than I can explain. I miss the person you used to be, always laughing, going on long car rides, and just an overall sweet person. I know some things are out of your control, and you don't choose to be this way. But it still hurts. Especially when I'm around other people's moms, and I see the bond they have. I miss the relationship we used to have, but I will always love you. I just wish things were different.

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NORMAL NOT NORMAL

MAYA

Something that’s normalized in society is that respect is not earned, people just think they're supposed to be respected because they may be older, and that’s not okay. Something that should be normalized is talking about mental health. Nobody really talks about mental health because they don't wanna be looked at as differently for feeling some type of way.

SINCE YOU ASKED

Since you asked, I’ll tell you I'm so to myself Because I’m shy Because that's how I grew up Because people can be weird Because people are two-faced Because I don't like talking to new people Because I have stuff to say But don’t know how to word it Because nobody considers me Because people can switch up anytime 64

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ELIAS Love to me is a powerful and an all encompassing force To me love comes in many different forms but to receive any, means a lot to me

LOVE AS IT COMES

Learning my interest and what fuels my passion makes me feel supported and understood Having deep conversations about life, so I can tell how I feel like I've lived a lifetime of ups and downs even though im only 18 Just giving me a glance that says, hey I see you and I appreciate who you are The little physical things like pinky promises and touching knees when sitting next to me Doing favors, as I learned that putting effort for somebody else means to love Had to find out that sometimes friends can offer more of what you need than family And that's okay For me love was confusing at times because I was still learning what love was Sometimes it came through full sun light and I knew what is was Other times it came as a flicker through the curtains and made me question: is this how it is?

Love is the artist that shaped me and was always there for me.

We are all tethered to some shape and form of love, find yours and let it grow

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ELIAS

Brother, since you asked, I'll tell you why I'm so grateful.

SINCE YOU ASKED

I'm grateful because I was never alone in our family's problems.

Always went to sleep knowing we could try again tomorrow.

Grateful because you gave me something to role model for and protect.

I was able to teach, and I was able to answer.

The problems that were brought on us gave us a bond that most won't understand so let me try to explain.

It was the laughs that reminded me of the old bond we used to have and that it could still be. To trust as we learned to cover and stand up for each other.

We came out more resilient because we took steps proudly together.

During that time, it felt like I learned you for another 12 years.

Our relationship is not normal but that's a good thing because nothing really was normal.

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2026