Onward Blog

Kyle Giddings speaks out on Colorado governor issuing clemency to Tina Peters

By JLUSA

May 18, 2026

Kyle Giddings (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) said he worried about the message a commutation for Tina Peters would send to other incarcerated people.

Sen. Keturah Herron on bipartisan push to support immigration rights in Kentucky

By JLUSA

May 13, 2026

Sen. Keturah Herron (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) called on lawmakers to ensure “we’re treating individuals with humanity.”

DeAnna Hoskins speaks on reentry issues at the City Club in Cleveland

By JLUSA

May 4, 2026

DeAnna Hoskins spoke on a panel entitled “Our Collective Voices Are Stronger Together: How Justice Impacted Individuals Are Shaping Our Communities.”

Celebrating a Monumental Fair Chance Month 2026

By JLUSA

May 1, 2026

For years, the field has centered “Second Chance Month.” This year, JustLeadershipUSA and the JustUS Coordinating Council advanced a necessary shift.

Jennifer Toon on the dread of summer heat approaching for people in Texas prisons

By JLUSA

April 24, 2026

Jennifer Toon (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) spoke with KXXV TV in Waco about a federal trial that is scrutinizing Texas prison conditions.

DeAnna Hoskins on the current situation with Rikers

By JLUSA

April 15, 2026

DeAnna Hoskins tells Filter, “The fact that Mandami is prioritizing [Rikers] in his first 100 days is a really good sign.”

Cecilia Zavala on teaching people how to live in a digital world after incarceration

By JLUSA

April 13, 2026

Cecilia Zavala (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) says, “Our peers really just felt like they were coming home to an alien world.”

Keeda Haynes on fair chances for people with records in Tennessee to get their voting rights restored

By JLUSA

April 10, 2026

Keeda Haynes (Leading with Conviction™ 2022) says, “This is huge and this is history!”

Celebrating Second Chance Month and Fair Chance Futures

By JLUSA

April 1, 2026

This April, JLUSA and the JCC are uplifting fair chances.

Tarra Simmons and other formerly incarcerated women are “pushing systemic change in elected office”

By JLUSA

March 26, 2026

“[Tarra] Simmons [Leading with Conviction™ 2018] is among a handful of formerly incarcerated women elected to public office.”

Emilee Shell on addressing Mississippi’s addiction crisis

By JLUSA

March 23, 2026

Emilee Shell (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) says Mississippi could miss out on funding organizations run by people with decades of experience.

From Second Chances to Fair Chances

March 12, 2026

At JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA), we believe it is time to expand the conversation.

JLUSA leaders speak to A&E Investigates about formerly incarcerated people running for public office

By JLUSA

March 11, 2026

DeAnna Hoskins, Marlon Chamberlain, Tarra Simmons, and Keturah Herron are all included in a new article from A&E Investigates.

Kemba Smith’s story is an example of how Women’s History Month often forgets how Black women are criminalized for the crimes of men

By JLUSA

March 9, 2026

“[Kemba] Smith’s story is not an anomaly. Across American history, Black women have borne the consequences of policies and practices …”

DeAnna Hoskins on the State of Criminal Justice Reform in the U.S.

By JLUSA

February 26, 2026

JustLeadershipUSA President and CEO DeAnna Hoskins joined Roland Martin on his daily digital show Roland Martin Unfiltered.

Remembering Jesse Jackson for his record on criminal justice reform

By JLUSA

February 17, 2026

JustLeadershipUSA mourns with the nation as we all grieve the loss of one of our greatest leaders, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. (1941-2026).