The Love I Deserve

The Love I Deserve

Crandall William

“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

The Love I Deserve Crandall William

But

she

the

began

I am Crandall William I am from Aquamarine.

From Lipton Tea and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

I am from the red and white house on Harper Street; Big, cozy and mildewy.

I am from oil, sticky and greasy.

I am from block club parties in the ‘90s and arguments over family TV. From Gwendolyn and Michael.

I am from gossip in the kitchen after a funeral and cookouts at the park on Fourth of July.

From “The streets ain’t safe for a kid” and “If somebody hit you, hit them back.”

I’m from Christianity, believing in John 3:16.

I’m from the Southside of Chicago and Jackson, Mississippi; Fried chicken and mashed potatoes.

From the jokes that Uncle Tony used to tell in the mornings every summer. The stubbornness of Uncle Willy.

Dirty photos destroyed by the flood in the basement that capture the days when Aunty Beverly and Cousin Nate were still living. When every family cookout meant something. Before 9/11, before the family fell apart.