Onward Blog

Being Beloved Podcast features formerly incarcerated women’s stories

By JLUSA

October 10, 2025

Taking three years to complete, the Being Beloved podcast opens its audience to an often ignored population: formerly incarcerated women.

JustLeadershipUSA Honors the Legacy of Former Congresswoman, Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick

By JLUSA

October 8, 2025

JustLeadershipUSA mourns the passing of Former Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, mother of our board member, Kwame Kilpatrick.

Lil Nas X says his arrest and incarceration was “terrifying”—his father explains what happened

By JLUSA

October 3, 2025

Lil Nas X’s father has spoken out after his son’s recent arrest: “Sometimes God will take you through your worst moment to give you your best moment.”

Kemba Smith shares her story on the “In Black America” radio show

By JLUSA

September 29, 2025

On this edition of In Black America, producer/host John L. Hanson Jr. speaks with Kemba Smith (Leading with Conviction™ 2019).

Formerly incarcerated film festival founder hopes second annual event will cause attendees to experience “narrative shift”

By JLUSA

September 26, 2025

The Inthrive Film Festival is an annual, non-profit event started in 2024 by David Smith following his release from prison.

Adam Grant on how his nonprofit A Brighter Way is helping formerly incarcerated people in Michigan

By JLUSA

September 19, 2025

Getting out of prison and getting yourself back into society is hard. Adam Grant (Leading with Conviction™ 2022) says everyone needs extra support.

Tamara Springs talks about her book Sordid Injustice and Atlanta’s biggest school scandal

By JLUSA

September 16, 2025

Tamara Springs (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) discusses one of the most controversial chapters in Atlanta’s history.

David Garlock on the Menendez brothers being denied parole

By David Garlock

September 11, 2025

“I have lived their life. My brother and I ... were the same ages as Erik and Lyle, and our offense happened a decade later.”

JLUSA President & CEO DeAnna Hoskins returns from White House Fellowship

By JLUSA

September 9, 2025

A message from JLUSA President & CEO DeAnna Hoskins

Louis L. Reed on how prison reform laws could safely free thousands of people

By JLUSA

“Criminal justice reform ... offers a rare opportunity for common ground.”

David Gaspar on why ending cash bail actually works—in the New York Times

By JLUSA

September 3, 2025

“Community safety, not personal wealth, best determines who is released and who is detained.”

Dr. Aaron Kinzel on going from incarceration to academia

By JLUSA

September 2, 2025

We are so excited that Dr. Aaron Kinzel has joined JustLeadershipUSA as a Research Fellow!