Onward Blog

JLUSA leader Mark Rice involved in protesting “vicious” Wisconsin prison conditions

By JLUSA

November 16, 2023

Mark Rice (Leading with Conviction™ 2017) is speaking out and helping organize protests of “vicious” Wisconsin prison conditions.

Ruby Welch receives community service award from Little Rock NAACP

By JLUSA

November 13, 2023

Ruby Welch (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) was recently recognized with an award from the Little Rock, Arkansas, branch of the NAACP.

PBS Newshour features JLUSA leader Tarra Simmons

By JLUSA

November 9, 2023

As part of the “Searching for Justice” series, PBS Newshour tells the story of Tarra Simmons (Leading with Conviction™ 2018).

JLUSA leaders discuss rural reentry at conference for Appalachian funders

By JLUSA

November 8, 2023

Philip Cooper (Leading with Conviction™ 2022) and Lester Young spoke at the 2023 Rural Re-Entry Workforce Convening last week.

Jamira Burley named one of ESSENCE magazine’s “Power 40”

By JLUSA

November 6, 2023

ESSENCE magazine has named its “Power 40” for 2023, which includes JLUSA leader Jamira Burley (Leading with Conviction™ 2015).

JLUSA leader Keeda Haynes on restoring voting rights post-incarceration

By JLUSA

November 3, 2023

Keeda Haynes (Leading with Conviction™ 2022) appeared this week on “OpenLine” on WTVF Newschannel 5 in Tennessee. Watch the full video now.

Vote for Yasmine Arrington for 2023 CNN Hero of the Year

By JLUSA

November 1, 2023

Congratulations to Yasmine Arrington on being nominated for 2023 CNN Hero of the Year!

Savvy Shabazz receives 2023 “Grassroots Peacebuilder” award

By JLUSA

October 31, 2023

On October 26, Savvy Shabazz (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) received the “Grassroots Peacebuilder” award from Interfaith Paths to Peace.

Candice Bailey talks about “the miscarriage of justice” in the Elijah McClain case

By JLUSA

October 27, 2023

Candice Bailey (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) speaks with Colorado public radio following the split verdict in the trial of two police officers.

JLUSA leader Tracey Syphax says five-year window into Trenton Police will not paint a complete picture

By JLUSA

October 25, 2023

JLUSA leader Tracey Syphax speaks out on Trenton Police Department investigation

Public Service Announcement: 50 Years of Mass Incarceration in the U.S.

By JLUSA

October 13, 2023

As 2023 marks 50 years of mass incarceration in America, The Sentencing Project has released a new Public Service Announcement, featuring Kemba Smith.

Alabama seeks to cut the state’s recidivism rate in half by 2030

By JLUSA

October 11, 2023

The Director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles writes about transforming reentry success through the Reentry 2030 initiative.

JLUSA leaders in Tennessee publish op-ed on felony disenfranchisement and voting rights restoration

By JLUSA

October 4, 2023

JLUSA leaders in Tennessee, Dawn Harrington (Leading with Conviction™ 2017) and Keeda Haynes (Leading with Conviction™ 2022), write this week.

Kemba Smith speaks on improving relations between the Black community and police in St. Louis

By JLUSA

October 2, 2023

St. Louis-area high school students, top police officials, and community advocates gathered recently to hear from JLUSA leader Kemba Smith.

Congratulations to our Leading with Conviction™ 2023 graduates

By JLUSA

September 29, 2023

Congratulations to Leading with Conviction™ 2023 cohort graduates

Lester Young speaks out on violence-plagued Alvin S. Glenn detention center in South Carolina

By JLUSA

September 28, 2023

JLUSA Senior Movement & Capacity Building Specialist Lester Young spoke to local Fox News affiliate in South Carolina about prison conditions.