October 21, 2020

Open Circle: 10/16/2020

At the start of the pandemic shut down, ConTextos felt the urgent need to create a consistent, open space where folks could gather to commune,…

Read Post
October 14, 2020

Dear Chicago: It’s Complicated

I am thrilled to be a part of the ConTextos team now as the Director of Communications and Development. Writing has always been such an…

Read Post
September 29, 2020
Job Posting: Teaching Artists. Photography, Mural, Digital, Comic, Visual

Job Posting: Teaching Artists. Photography, Mural, Digital, Comic, Visual

Dear Chicago Community Arts Program in Auburn Gresham Seeking 4 part-time contracted positions: 8 weeks, 25-30 hour/week October through December 2020 Meaningful stipend based on…

Read Post
July 20, 2020

Dear Chicago: Send a video letter to Chicago youth

Dear Chicago: Chicago Youth Telling Their Truths is a new program by ConTextos that centers the expertise, stories and self-determination of Chicago’s young people. We…

Read Post
July 10, 2020

Knowone To Call

The truth is that in the heat of the moment, when life is on the line, there is no one to call. Only choices to…

Read Post
July 7, 2020

Dear fellow inmates, and ConTextos family and supporters,

All of us reduced to state issued numbers and charges have got the worst of it during this Covid “Pandemic.” The state and I.D.O.C. have…

Read Post
June 23, 2020

100 Days of Open Circle

Today is 100 days. 100 days of writing. 100 days of connection. 100 days of community building. 100 days of ConTextos’ Open Circle, our first-ever…

Read Post
June 9, 2020

Civil Silence

To stay connected with our Authors behind bars, we’ve sent them letters with writing prompts and invited them to publish pieces on our blog. This…

Read Post
May 27, 2020

We Still Can’t Breathe

I feel trapped. Over the past few days I’ve felt restrained, as if someone were yanking on my collar, as if my very skin were…

Read Post
May 20, 2020

Dear Lisa

Dear Lisa, I laugh to think of all we’ve gone through in the time that we’ve known each other. In November, we will reach four…

Read Post
May 20, 2020
The Luckiest Girl in the Zoom

The Luckiest Girl in the Zoom

I once was told to aim to be the dumbest person in the room. To surround myself by people who are smarter, passionate, motivated. And…

Read Post
May 8, 2020

Open Cyber Circle: Week of May 3rd

Our team aims to stay mission-driven during these questionable times. While the world feels like a sci-fi movie, we continue to encourage the writing and…

Read Post
May 6, 2020

Blurs and Erases

We find ourselves at an interesting moment. Pivotal in fact. As we collectively attempt to navigate uncharted waters I am constantly thinking about how prepared…

Read Post