Disclaimer – Auto-generated content in Spanish: 

Algunas partes de esta página se generan automáticamente y podrían contener errores menores. Se recomienda usar el juicio crítico al interactuar con ella.

Onward Blog

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 Survivors of solitary confinement speak out

Survivors of solitary confinement speak out

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.

Image for post titled I want to see the resources that are provided to certain populations be provided equally for all.

I want to see the resources that are provided to certain populations be provided equally for all.

By David Gaspar, #LwC2021

October 27, 2021

David Gaspar is National Director of Operations at The Bail Project.

Image for post titled You can feel the rumbling of the earth underneath you when you work in this field.

You can feel the rumbling of the earth underneath you when you work in this field.

By Debra Wright, #LwC2021

October 14, 2021

Debra Wright supervises substance use disorder programs throughout Michigan.

Image for post titled I would love to see us reshape the whole system in a way that’s more just for all people.

I would love to see us reshape the whole system in a way that’s more just for all people.

By Tony Gant, #LWC2021

September 24, 2021

Tony Gant is the Policy Director for Nation Outside