Onward Blog

Keeda Haynes responds to federal court decision on voting rights for people with felony convictions in Tennessee

By JLUSA

April 25, 2024

A federal judge affirmed that Tennessee election officials cannot deny voter registration to eligible Tennesseans who have past felony convictions.

Emilee Shell fighting for voting rights for people in Mississippi with felony convictions

By JLUSA

April 19, 2024

Earlier this week Emilee Shell (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) spoke with media at the Mississippi Capitol in Jackson following a legislative hearing.

Marlon Chamberlain on 4.1 million people in Illinois eligible for expungement

By JLUSA

April 18, 2024

“In Illinois, there’s an estimated 4.1 million people that will be impacted, if and when we’re able to eliminate these permanent punishments.”

2nd Annual Second Chance Freedom Ball

By JLUSA

April 11, 2024

The 2nd Annual Second Chance Freedom Ball—hosted by JustLeadershipUSA and the JustUS Coordinating Council—is taking place Saturday, April 20, in D.C.

Khalif Ali says “codifying voting rights … is a moral imperative”

By JLUSA

Khalif Ali (Leading with Conviction™ 2020) says that Americans “cannot turn a blind eye” to the threats facing the country’s democratic institutions.

Jessica Snow announces Flikshop’s new “Family Matters” reentry ebooks

By Jessica Snow

April 3, 2024

Jessica Snow (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) is the Vice President of Operations at Flikshop.

Savvy Shabazz says “post-incarceration syndrome”—PICS—is real

By JLUSA

April 2, 2024

Savvy Shabazz (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) educates people and organizations about “post-incarceration syndrome” (PICS).

Yasmine Arrington highlighted as a “Drew Gooder” on The Drew Barrymore Show

By JLUSA

March 29, 2024

Yasmine Arrington (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) was featured March 20 on The Drew Barrymore Show as a “Drew Gooder.” Watch now!

Two new Movement and Capacity Building Specialists have joined JLUSA!

By JLUSA

March 27, 2024

Please help us welcome both of these amazing leaders to the JLUSA team!

Ronald Simpson-Bey testifies on Second Look Legislation before Michigan House Criminal Justice Committee

By JLUSA

March 22, 2024

Ronald Simpson-Bey testified Tuesday at a public hearing on the Second Look Legislation before the Michigan House Criminal Justice Committee. Watch!

JLUSA leaders receive funding from MacKenzie Scott’s foundation

By JLUSA

March 21, 2024

Congratulations to JLUSA leaders who received grants this week from MacKenzie Scott’s foundation, Yield Giving!

Keturah Herron joins bipartisan effort to pass the Justice for Breonna Taylor Act

By JLUSA

March 13, 2024

Keturah Herron (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) joined a bipartisan group of Kentucky Congress members to support the Justice for Breonna Taylor Act.

Two formerly incarcerated men walk into a police station …

By John Fabricius

March 12, 2024

John Fabricius (Leading with Conviction™ 2024 participant) shares this story from Georgetown, Kentucky.

Chandra Bozelko writes on Medicaid coverage for incarcerated individuals

By JLUSA

March 7, 2024

Chandra Bozelko (Leading with Conviction™ 2018) writes at The National Memo.

JustLeadershipUSA celebrates Women’s History Month

By JLUSA

March 1, 2024

Throughout every aspect of our DNA, women have played a vital role in shaping our organization and driving its success.

Emilee Shell rallies poor and low-wage Mississippians to march on their state capital

By JLUSA

Emilee Shell (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) is a tri-chair with the Mississippi Poor People’s Campaign. Watch her speech!