Onward Blog

“Modern Day Johnny Cash” country singer Jelly Roll to perform in Michigan jail

By JLUSA

December 4, 2023

Being called a “Modern Day Johnny Cash,” Jelly Roll is set to perform on December 5 for people incarcerated in the Genesee County Jail in Flint.

Country music’s “New Artist of the Year” Jelly Roll is formerly incarcerated

By JLUSA

November 14, 2023

Last week the Country Music Association named Jelly Roll “New Artist of the Year.” He spoke with Billboard about being formerly incarcerated.

Tickets available now for the “Kemba” movie at film festivals in November

By JLUSA

October 28, 2023

Tickets are now available to watch the MPI Original and BET Original feature film Kemba at top film festivals across the country in November.

Hakim Crampton stars in “East Side Story,” streaming now free on Tubi

By JLUSA

September 30, 2023

JLUSA Senior Movement and Capacity Building Specialist Hakim Crampton stars in a new movie available to watch free now on Tubi.

Formerly incarcerated artist Gary Tyler has his first solo gallery show

By JLUSA

August 19, 2023

On July 8, Detroit’s Library Street Collective opened We are the Willing, artist Gary Tyler’s first solo gallery show.

How Only Murders in the Building Perpetuates Myths About “True Crime”

By JLUSA

August 12, 2023

Only Murders in the Building returned this week with the launch of season three, but Adedoyin Adeniji explains the pitfalls of the show.

Watch JLUSA leader Kent Mendoza in “A Million Dollar Cage” documentary

By JLUSA

August 5, 2023

A new short film follows Kent Mendoza and youth he mentors, as they fight for the implementation of alternatives to youth incarceration in California.

Rapper JT launches No Bars Reform initiative to help formerly incarcerated women

By JLUSA

July 31, 2023

Rapper JT of the City Girls is helping formerly incarcerated women access therapy, housing assistance, addiction treatment, and more.

“Oppenheimer” star Robert Downey Jr. opens up about his time in prison

By JLUSA

July 22, 2023

Robert Downey Jr. is opening up about his year in prison — and why it was the “worst thing” that ever happened to him.

Lets Talk “Nepo-Babies” in Social Justice/Impact Spaces

By Jamira Burley

July 13, 2023

JLUSA leader Jamira Burley speaks about prioritizing the voices and experiences of those most affected by systemic injustices.

Use the “Copeland Test” to determine if a movie or TV show is antiracist

By JLUSA

June 3, 2023

Dr. Philippe Copeland has developed what he calls the “Copeland test” for determining if a movie or TV show is antiracist.

Queer Eye season 7 features formerly incarcerated business owner

By JLUSA

May 27, 2023

Maryam Henderson-Uloho owns SisterHearts Thrift Store and employs other formerly incarcerated people like herself.

Free Download: Our History Has Always Been Contraband ebook

By JLUSA

May 24, 2023

The new book edited by Colin Kaepernick, Robin D. G. Kelley, and Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor is not coming out in print until this summer!

His Name Is George Floyd book wins Pulitzer Prize — read an excerpt

By JLUSA

May 10, 2023

The book written by two Washington Post reporters won a Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction. Read a free excerpt.

John Legend is one of 113 million American adults who has had a family member incarcerated

By JLUSA

May 6, 2023

John Legend speaks with NPR about the new documentary short film HOME/FREE on the challenges to finding work after a period of incarceration.

Time documentary named one of the “50 Best Films of the 21st Century (So Far)”

April 22, 2023

Critics at the Hollywood Reporter have honored the 2020 documentary Time, which tells the story of Fox and Rob Rich.