Onward Blog

Image for post titled Celia Colón launches new “Powered By Pain” TV series

Celia Colón launches new “Powered By Pain” TV series

By JLUSA

March 15, 2024

Celia Colón (Leading with Conviction™ 2018) has launched a new TV series on the JD3 streaming platform. Watch the trailer!

Image for post titled SaulPaul talks about “Be The Change” on PBS Newshour

SaulPaul talks about “Be The Change” on PBS Newshour

By JLUSA

February 1, 2024

SaulPaul (Leading with Conviction™ 2018) was featured last week on PBS Newshour.

Image for post titled David Garlock shares his powerful personal story on the Cold Red Podcast

David Garlock shares his powerful personal story on the Cold Red Podcast

By JLUSA

January 30, 2024

The latest episode featuring David Garlock (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) is entitled, “He Went From Murdering His Abuser to Starring in Films ...”

Image for post titled JLUSA leader Patrice Palmer gets profiled—in the best possible way

JLUSA leader Patrice Palmer gets profiled—in the best possible way

By JLUSA

December 11, 2023

Patrice Palmer (Leading with Conviction™ 2015) was featured recently in The Ohio State University alumni magazine.

Image for post titled JLUSA leader Dieter Cantu speaks about empowering incarcerated youth

JLUSA leader Dieter Cantu speaks about empowering incarcerated youth

By JLUSA

December 5, 2023

Dieter Cantu (Leading with Conviction™ 2020) speaks about his work to empower incarcerated youth in Texas.

Image for post titled JLUSA leader Philip Cooper on mental health and recovery

JLUSA leader Philip Cooper on mental health and recovery

By JLUSA

October 10, 2023

Philip “Change Agent” Cooper (Leading with Conviction™ 2022) talks about his lived experience and work around mental health and recovery.

Image for post titled Returning to Prison — As a Teacher

Returning to Prison — As a Teacher

By David Garlock, Prison Journalism Project

September 13, 2023

JLUSA leader David Garlock (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) wrote recently about his experience for the Prison Journalism Project.

Image for post titled Kemba Smith Pradia on today’s criminal justice reform movement

Kemba Smith Pradia on today’s criminal justice reform movement

By JLUSA

August 16, 2023

The Defender interviewed Kemba Smith Pradia (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) during the recent National Urban League Convention in Houston.

Image for post titled JLUSA leader Johnny Perez speaks out on ending solitary confinement

JLUSA leader Johnny Perez speaks out on ending solitary confinement

By JLUSA

August 10, 2023

Johnny Perez (Leading with Conviction™ 2017), director of U.S. Prison Programs for the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, is speaking out.

Image for post titled Watch JLUSA leader Kent Mendoza in “A Million Dollar Cage” documentary

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.

Image for post titled A Father’s Motivation

A Father’s Motivation

By Ronald Simpson-Bey

June 16, 2023

Since 2001, every Father’s Day has been a bittersweet moment for me.

Image for post titled Maggie Luna speaks about barriers facing formerly incarcerated Texans

Maggie Luna speaks about barriers facing formerly incarcerated Texans

By JLUSA

March 16, 2023

JLUSA leader Maggie Luna spoke with Texas Observer about barriers to reentry.

Image for post titled Marlon Chamberlain on “Permanent Punishments”

Marlon Chamberlain on “Permanent Punishments”

By JLUSA

February 28, 2023

Marlon Chamberlain reveals the invisible bars called “permanent punishments” that follow people long after their prison sentences have been served.

Image for post titled This year, JLUSA leader Savvy Shabazz cast his vote for the first time after 20 years as a disenfranchised voter

This year, JLUSA leader Savvy Shabazz cast his vote for the first time after 20 years as a disenfranchised voter

By JLUSA

October 26, 2022

JLUSA leader Savvy Shabazz speaks about having his voting rights restored

Image for post titled JLUSA leader Brandon Smith on The Frontline at Atmos

JLUSA leader Brandon Smith on The Frontline at Atmos

By JLUSA

August 15, 2022

Brandon Smith is a 2020 Leading with Conviction graduate. He shares his story with The Frontline at Atmos.

Image for post titled I’m hoping to remove barriers for people coming home, some of the same barriers that I encountered.

I’m hoping to remove barriers for people coming home, some of the same barriers that I encountered.

By Richard Speck, #LwC2021

November 10, 2021

Richard Speck is a Community Engagement Specialist at Safe and Just Michigan.