By Argenis Hernández
Renowned author, publisher, and poet Luis Javier Rodríguez visits Chicago for a special reading & celebration of the 30th anniversary of his debut novel, Always Running, at the Chicago History Museum.
During his time in Chicago, he stopped in Humboldt Park and stepped into the Violence Prevention and Intervention Program office, where we had the privilege of having such a prominent figure lead a peace circle and panel discussion. Giving us a glimpse of his past, he shared stories of his upbringing along with his struggles of drug abuse, being gang affiliated, and life of crime during his childhood and adolescence..
His engaged dialogue and profound message inspired our VPI team to implement new strategies to further assist our violence prevention and intervention efforts here at The Puerto Rican Cultural Center. “From trauma to transformation” stated Mr. Rodríguez when he spoke of therapeutic methods that involve spirituality and culture which can bring healing and peace to those seeking it.
VPI’s reentry case worker, Jason Rodríguez shared how the author recalls one of his teachers smacking him upside the head at school, “which was one of those turning points that were the most instrumental to his journey which immediately resonated with me, because it reminded me of my own experiences, wholeheartedly.” It is these instances that show the vital work we do here as the VPI department aims to bring our community closer together by providing programs for all youth ages and residents.
Luis Rodríguez, being from the West coast barrios and making his way to ours here in Humboldt Park, has reminded us how essential it is to share our lived experiences with one another as an act of humanity. Luis’ past demonstrates how against all odds there is always hope of finding self-actualization. Through the power of language, words are capable of restoring that faith by transcending cultural boundaries.
