Live Then Learn

“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 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, camaraderie, conflict resolution and positive self-projection.

In collaboration with:

Cook County Sheriff’s Office

Live Then Learn Raymon Winston

As I sit in my hospital bed I was furious. When I opened my eyes I saw the faces of people who were never there for me when I needed them. But at the sight of my two baby mothers my heart melted, they were on both sides of my hospital bed.

As I looked up I saw pain in his eyes; pain I have never seen before. He got up to approach my bedside, but his tongue was ed. He was at a loss for words so he just bent down to kiss my forehead.

“I love you, too, Unc.” They said their goodbyes as my medicaaon started to kicked in. I driied off to sleep.

Jack, Lil Moe, Los, Jayda, Tae Savage, and Sleepy G would also come to visit me.

That’s what kept me afloat.

Jack who was like a brother more than a friend called me everyday to talk about life.

“I love you bro, we gooa fall back and get some money. You got kids, you got things to live for.” Words he would say to make me think about life in ways I never did.

ne eed. O l b l l a d, we r and ne blee O . s ch othe u a n e e f e o betw care e take g come W n i . r h t o f o tand an’t n at we s mily. C h a f w a e v e W y. I lo per. e all cr w d r ’s kee n e a h t o r cry, my b re I am o f e r e th

I am from the mud, no lights or hot water.

I am from the ghetto,

violence, drugs, broken hearts.

I am from the Land of the Free,

only to foreigners.

I’m from shooting dice and getting lit and rapping, from Raymon Winston Sr. and Tiana Slater.

I’m from the Arguing and Fighting, from “don’t go outside” and “get that belt ready.”

I’m from me, myself, and I

always been a leader.

I’m from Chicago, Black, Indian and Irish, and White.

Chicken and greens.

From the time when my mother told me to be something but I didn’t listen.