Onward Blog

DeAnna Hoskins on moving from “Second Chances” to “Fair Chances”

By JLUSA

April 8, 2026

“Is using the word ‘second chance’ unintentionally limiting? When in reality, we’re asking for fair access …”

Pastor Troy F. Vaughn releases new book From Skid Row to CEO

By JLUSA

January 23, 2026

Pastor Troy F. Vaughn (Leading with Conviction™ 2017) launched his new book at a gala event in Inglewood, NC, January 16.

DeAnna Hoskins named one of the Cincinnati Enquirer’s “People to Watch” in 2026

By JLUSA

January 13, 2026

“Hoskins, a Cincinnati native who works from her home in East Price Hill, was the first formerly incarcerated person appointed a White House Fellow.”

Doug Smith on life after bipolar and depression, alcohol and substance abuse—on the My Last Relapse podcast

By JLUSA

January 12, 2026

After his release, Doug Smith (Leading with Conviction™ 2018) experienced relapses but reframed them as part of recovery rather than failure.

Carole Eady-Porcher celebrates new trauma recovery center opening in Brooklyn, New York

By JLUSA

December 22, 2025

Carole Eady-Porcher (Leading with Conviction™ 2015): “Most of us have been through trauma and violence well before we become addicted.”

JLUSA mourns the passing of Ronnie Waters

By JLUSA

December 15, 2025

JLUSA mourns the passing of Ronnie Waters (1962-2025), who passed away early Monday morning.

Dr. Donna Hylton testifies in support of the Survivors Justice Act in New Jersey

By JLUSA

Survivors, including author and activist Dr. Donna Hylton (Leading with Conviction™ 2015), provided emotional testimony. Watch now.

Judith Negron shares her support for the SAFER Supervision Act

By JLUSA

November 19, 2025

“I had a three-year supervised release, and the conditions were nearly impossible.”

Kemba Smith shares her story on the “In Black America” radio show

By JLUSA

September 29, 2025

On this edition of In Black America, producer/host John L. Hanson Jr. speaks with Kemba Smith (Leading with Conviction™ 2019).

Adam Grant on how his nonprofit A Brighter Way is helping formerly incarcerated people in Michigan

By JLUSA

September 19, 2025

Getting out of prison and getting yourself back into society is hard. Adam Grant (Leading with Conviction™ 2022) says everyone needs extra support.

David Garlock on the Menendez brothers being denied parole

By David Garlock

September 11, 2025

“I have lived their life. My brother and I ... were the same ages as Erik and Lyle, and our offense happened a decade later.”

Doug Smith on his new book The Path of Rocks and Thorns: Leadership Lessons from a Prison Cell

By JLUSA

August 20, 2025

Doug Smith (Leading with Conviction™ 2018) has a new book entitled The Path of Rocks & Thorns: Leadership Lessons from a Prison Cell.

Harold Trulear, Ph.D. shares his powerful personal story — from incarceration to the academy

By JLUSA

August 18, 2025

Dr. Harold Trulear (Leading with Conviction™ 2017) sits down for a powerful conversation on justice and the prophetic witness of the Black Church.

Judith Negron on reclaiming and redefining your purpose after reentry

By JLUSA

July 21, 2025

Judith Negron (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) proves that reentry isn’t just about returning—it’s about reclaiming and redefining your purpose.

Brittany Lovely on Ten Years Home

By Brittany Lovely

July 16, 2025

Brittany Lovely (Leading with Conviction™ 2022) writes, “I built a new life, but I will not stop there. I will continue to build ...”

How Keturah Herron became the first openly LGBTQ woman elected to the Kentucky Senate

By JLUSA

June 2, 2025

Keturah Herron (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) is the first openly LGBTQ woman to be elected to the Kentucky Senate.