Onward Blog

Robyn Hasan-Simpson on overcrowding in the Fulton County jail in Georgia

By JLUSA

February 9, 2026

“Too many people are sitting in jail on low-level, quality of life offenses that really reflect something deeper.”

Yasmine Arrington Brooks accepts her award as a “Washingtonian of the Year” for 2025

By JLUSA

February 2, 2026

Yasmine Arrington Brooks (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) gave a moving acceptance speech as a call to action!

Jamira Burley on why people are fleeing TikTok after U.S. takeover went into effect

By JLUSA

January 28, 2026

“Our communities are bigger than any one app.”

Kyle Giddings celebrates Colorado’s decision not to increase prison beds

By JLUSA

January 26, 2026

“At a time when Colorado is facing cuts to higher education, healthcare, and essential services … expanding prisons cannot be the default response.”

Hakim Crampton on Michigan ID program for formerly incarcerated people upon reentry

By JLUSA

January 5, 2026

“The program has been working quite well, but there are a lot of things missing from it …”

Chivas Watson on rising health care costs

By JLUSA

December 29, 2025

“It’s really tight for us,” Chivas Watson (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) told KVUE news recently. Watch video.

Emilee Shell calls for executive clemency in the case of Maurice Taylor

By JLUSA

December 26, 2025

“I don’t know under what circumstances a 20-year sentence for this offense would be lawful.”

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.

Saad Soliman announces rebranding of the TimeDone campaign

By JLUSA

December 1, 2025

Saad Soliman (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) became the National Director of TimeDone at the Alliance for Safety and Justice in July.

Mark Rice on Wisconsin’s plan to overhaul prison system

By JLUSA

November 10, 2025

“[GBCI] should’ve been closed down 20 years ago,” said Mark Rice (Leading with Conviction™ 2017). “The timeline is just too slow.”

Kemba Smith receives HBCU Scholars Fellowship from Virginia Humanities

By JLUSA

November 6, 2025

Kemba Smith Pradia (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) says, “This fellowship will personally help me reconnect with my voice as a writer and scholar ...”

JLUSA alumni celebrate “Clean Slate” victory in Illinois

By JLUSA

November 4, 2025

JustLeadershipUSA celebrates with alumni leaders who were instrumental in this victory.

JLUSA co-hosts “Municipal Courts and the Promise of Community Justice” convening at Rutgers University

October 30, 2025

Last week, JLUSA leaders, alumni, and partners joined advocates and practitioners from across the country in Newark, NJ, at Rutgers University.

Quianya Enge supports new reentry housing for formerly incarcerated women in Rockford, Illinois

By JLUSA

October 27, 2025

Quianya Enge (Leading with Conviction™ 2022) says, “Every woman deserves to return home to a place that restores her dignity.”