Young people in our writing workshops this fall at BRONXCONNECT talked about the many forms that violence in the community can take. From a threatening look, to a predatory stare, from fists to guns, our young people have an unnerving familiarity with it. Young participants also reflected on experiencing peace and a sense of safety in their communities, as expressed in this poem by participant Genesis Williams. Genesis has exhibited so much strength and love as well as powerful observations, throughout the workshops. Special thanks to all the staff at BronxConnect and the WellMet Group for their support. Block to Block by Genesis Williams I’m not going to lie to you, We had good times o
"You can't be vulnerable in prison. Vulnerability incites trouble. It invites predators to lurk in your shadow. In prison vulnerability is death, one way or another. That is why I find respite in stories, my writing and letters to you. I can be honest here, safe." —Aubrey Michael, currently incarcerated in Virginia Since I was young, writing has been my tool of choice: my expression, my fire, my place of advocacy and change, my home. I was lucky to grow up with a great public education, in an environment and with teachers that always nourished my desire to write and share my voice. No one ever told me I didn’t have a voice or I wasn’t worthy of sharing what I had to say. In that way, I was b
