Onward Blog

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.”

Kemba Smith guest hosts the Wrongful Conviction podcast

By JLUSA

May 11, 2026

Guest host, Kemba Smith (Leading with Conviction™ 2019), talks to Leon Benson and Lara Bazelon, Leon's attorney on the Wrongful Conviction podcast.

Justice & The Next 250: Building Collective Power to Advance Justice

By JLUSA

May 8, 2026

Mark Rice (Leading with Conviction™ 2017/Leading with Conviction+™ 2026) writes, “Wisconsin is still ground zero in this fight.”

Dr. Donna Hylton on legal slavery in the New York prison system

By JLUSA

May 6, 2026

Donna Hylton (Leading with Conviction™ 2015) writes, “It’s time for New York State to end these practices, once and for all.”

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.

JustLeadershipUSA Applauds Resolution to Recognize April as “Fair Chance Jobs Month”

By JLUSA

April 29, 2026

Today, U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) re-introduced a resolution recognizing April as “Fair Chance Jobs Month.”

Jamala Taylor on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

By JLUSA

Jamala Taylor (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) was initially sentenced to a daunting 99-year-to-life term and spent 15 years in solitary confinement.

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.

Stephanie Jeffcoat on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

By JLUSA

April 22, 2026

Stephanie Jeffcoat⁠ (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) on losing her daughter while she was incarcerated for six months and turning pain into purpose.

David Gaspar on the power of storytelling in nonprofit work

By JLUSA

April 20, 2026

David Gaspar (Leading with Conviction™ 2021) writes in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, “Prison prompted me to rethink my story.”

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.”