Onward Blog

Robyn Hasan-Simpson on why Georgia’s Survivor Justice Act is “better” than others around the nation

By JLUSA

August 25, 2025

“We just shared our story of how by having this law, it basically protects us for trying to survive.”

Fox and Rob return to the screen with new Time II: Unfinished Business documentary

By JLUSA

August 22, 2025

In this touching next chapter of their saga, the film plunges us headfirst into the aftermath of Rob’s release from Angola after 21 grueling years.

Doug Smith on his new book The Path of Rocks and Thorns: Leadership Lessons from a Prison Cell

By JLUSA

August 20, 2025

Doug Smith (Leading with Conviction™ 2018) has a new book entitled The Path of Rocks & Thorns: Leadership Lessons from a Prison Cell.

Harold Trulear, Ph.D. shares his powerful personal story — from incarceration to the academy

By JLUSA

August 18, 2025

Dr. Harold Trulear (Leading with Conviction™ 2017) sits down for a powerful conversation on justice and the prophetic witness of the Black Church.

“Songs from the Hole” one of the best new things to watch on streaming this week

By JLUSA

August 15, 2025

Songs From the Hole focuses on JJ’88, who says he’s been “thinking about freedom since the day I got locked up when I was 15.”

Dieter Cantu on contributing to new report on “Improving Health and Safety as Youth and Young Adults Leave the Justice System”

By JLUSA

August 13, 2025

Dieter Cantu (Leading with Conviction™ 2020) said, “Proud to have contributed to this new issue brief.”

Dominique Grant on Georgia’s purge of nearly half a million voters

By JLUSA

August 11, 2025

In a new video on TikTok, Dominique Grant (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) says, “If you have a felony conviction but you’re off paper, YOU CAN VOTE!”

SaulPaul participates in Savannah, Georgia youth summit

August 8, 2025

SaulPaul (Leading with Conviction™ 2018) spoke to teens about his life and how important it was to know they’re born on purpose, with a purpose.

JLUSA panel discussion chosen for SXSW 2026 Community Voting—vote online now through August 24

By JLUSA

August 6, 2025

SXSW 2026 PanelPicker® Community Voting has officially opened, and we need your help! Please vote for our panel proposal “Unlikely Allies.”

Simone Price on the importance of providing financial assistance to formerly incarcerated people after reentry

By JLUSA

August 4, 2025

“We got together with several other organizations and found private funding to launch the Returning Citizen Stimulus.”

Chain-Gang All-Stars awarded second annual Inside Literary Prize, judged by currently incarcerated people

By JLUSA

August 1, 2025

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s Chain-Gang All-Stars was recently awarded the second annual Inside Literary Prize.

Shaka Senghor shares his story on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast

By JLUSA

July 30, 2025

According to Newsweek, Joe Rogan “received backlash online” for featuring formerly incarcerated author Shaka Senghor on his podcast recently.