Contextos – Authors Circle
"This project is vital in demonstrating the potential for ongoing Authors’ Circles at CCDOC, and the desperate need to lift more stories that illuminate the humanity—and trauma—of the incarcerated and their loved ones... Beautiful books with powerful stories to be shared with our influential partners and throughout Chicago."
Founded in 2010, ConTextos provides trauma-informed programming that uses personal narrative to develop self-reflection and self-actualization in violence-affected youth; then links these individuals and their stories with the broader public to provoke empathy, understanding and social change.
With the Envisioning Justice initiative funding, ConTextos facilitated Authors Circle with individuals awaiting trial while detailed at Division 10 of Cook County Jail; 24 Authors presented their final published illustrated memoirs at a Publication Celebration on Feb 6 in Division 10.
Authors continue in on-going programming to continue writing and sharing their stories to complicate assumptions and stigmas about violence in Chicago.
Learn more about Contextos’ Author’s Circle (Soy Autor) program.