February 8, 2022
You’re good, write?
At ConTextos, we try to practice what we preach, so writing together is a regular activity. At least once a week, we gather to process…
December 6, 2021
Freedom by Danny Martinez
Close your eyes and count to 10. Better yet, in my case, count to 8. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Now open…
October 20, 2021
Gold Scars
My friend Kate says everyone she knows is one stuck item in a vending machine away from a total collapse. It’s the most poignant insight…
February 7, 2020
Salon Speaker: Dr. Michelle Gittler
For Feburary's Salon we brought out Dr. Michelle Gittler, who has been practicing rehabilitation medicine for almost 25 years at Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Gittler…
February 6, 2020
We’re starting a new blog.
My first job after college was as a 5th grade teacher in the South Bronx. PS 63, The Authors Academy, at 169th and Boston Road.…
January 17, 2020
Salon Speaker: Rosa Anaya
November's Salon speaker was Rosa Anaya, who has been an advocate for peace in El Salvador for 20 years, working to change the lives of…
August 11, 2019
Salon Speaker: Judith McCray
Judith McCray is a multiple Emmy award-winning writer, director and producer with more than twenty-five years of experience in broadcast production and programming. A former…
August 11, 2019
Salon Speaker: Alex Kotlowitz
For September's Salon brought in Alex Kotlowitz, a writer, journalist, and storyteller. He is the author of four books, including his most recent, An American…
August 11, 2019
Salon Speaker: Billy Moore
What is Salon? Every month we bring in a writer or artist to share their work and have a conversation with published Alumni Authors. Salon Speakers discuss…
July 18, 2019
Salon Speaker: José Olivarez
José Olivarez is the son of Mexican immigrants. His debut book of poems, Citizen Illegal, was a finalist for the prestigious PEN/ Jean Stein Award…
April 18, 2017
31 STORIES IN 10 WEEKS.
It’s like walking through a dark tunnel with your arms out,reaching for the closest object to hold on to so that you don’t fall. Like…
March 23, 2017
MS. MCCAMPBELL GOES TO JAIL
Yesterday, my high school English teacher came with me to Cook County Jail. “No one else can write what you do, if the story comes…
February 13, 2017
DONE GOOD. DONE BAD. BOTH SUCCESSFULLY.
I often talk about literature as a vehicle to develop empathy. And in class the other day, I really experienced it: the power of text-based-dialogue…
January 27, 2017
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Forty-five detainees completed the Soy Autor application today at Cook County Jail. Forty five out of the 60 who have been invited to apply (we…
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