Onward Blog

Lauren Johnson on struggling with addiction: “I needed treatment … not another jail sentence”

By JLUSA

May 15, 2024

Lauren Johnson (Leading with Conviction™ 2016) writes: “Unfortunately, my story is not uncommon, especially for those who struggle with addiction.”

Kesha Hamilton reflects on “going viral” a year later

By JLUSA

May 14, 2024

In a recent interview, Kesha Hamilton (Leading with Conviction™ 2021) reflected on the turbulent past year.

Marlon Chamberlain in the Chicago Tribune: “I should be able to run for local office”

By JLUSA

May 13, 2024

“The blanket exclusion of individuals with felony convictions from running for local office perpetuates a cycle of marginalization ...”

Kelly Savage-Rodriguez shares her powerful story with The Guardian

By JLUSA

May 10, 2024

Survivors who are criminally charged often do not have their history of abuse taken into account during court cases.

JLUSA staff and leaders rally in D.C. for FreeHer 10th Anniversary

By Stephen Knight

May 9, 2024

Last month, JustLeadershipUSA staff and leaders participated in the FreeHer Campaign’s 10th anniversary march and rally in Washington, D.C.

Chazidy Bowman on her “full circle moment”—from Emerging Leaders™ participant to panelist speaker

By Chazidy Bowman

May 8, 2024

Chazidy Bowman (Leading with Conviction™ 2021) spoke on a panel recently at the Emerging Leaders™ training in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Timothy Burgess on the state of criminal justice reform in Vermont

By JLUSA

May 7, 2024

Timothy Burgess (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) describes Vermont’s position on second chances: “You know all the music, and none of the words.”

DeAnna Hoskins in the New York Times: “It’s important for other formerly incarcerated people to see themselves in [elected office]”

By JLUSA

May 6, 2024

DeAnna Hoskins, JustLeadershipUSA President and CEO, was interviewed by the New York Times for this story. Get free gift link to read!

Teresa Hodge and Louis L. Reed launch new podcasts

By JLUSA

Leading with Conviction™ graduates Teresa Hodge (2015) and Louis L. Reed (2017) both recently launched new podcasts. Check them out!

Jelly Roll opens music studio inside Nashville youth detention facility where he was once incarcerated

By JLUSA

May 3, 2024

Country music artist Jelly Roll recently helped open a music studio inside the Nashville Juvenile Detention Center.

Tracey Syphax’s inspirational story for 400,000 Philadelphians living with criminal records

By JLUSA

May 2, 2024

Axios Philadelphia recently profiled Tracey Syphax (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) and shared his inspirational story.

Ashley Furst on reducing recidivism in Colorado

By JLUSA

May 1, 2024

Ashley Furst (LwC 2024 participant) says continued contact their reentry specialists provide helps keep participants from returning to prison.