Onward Blog

New documentary short film “Forging Heroes” features Brandon Smith and forestry firefighting in California

By JLUSA

February 15, 2024

This week, ABC7 released a 22-minute short documentary film highlighting the work of the Forestry & Fire Recruitment Program. Watch now!

End The Exception campaign presents Lincoln: “The most famous speech never given”

By JLUSA

February 14, 2024

JustLeadershipUSA is a partner in the campaign to End the Exception in the 13th amendment that abolished slavery, except for those incarcerated.

Chivas Watson on the power of community

By JLUSA

February 13, 2024

Leading with Conviction™ 2023 graduate Chivas Watson leverages the power of community to support people released from incarceration.

JLUSA joins the 420 Unity Day of Action for Cannabis Justice in D.C. on April 18

By JLUSA

February 12, 2024

Join us April 18 in Washington, D.C., for the 420 Unity Day of Action for Cannabis Justice!

Matt Sutton on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

By JLUSA

He’s gone from working in D.C., on drug policy, to now as director of communications for the nation’s largest reentry employment provider.

Formerly Incarcerated Man Shares Long Road To Voting Again

By Lisa Landrum

February 9, 2024

Reporter Lisa Landrum tells the story of one man in Virginia who recently had his day in court to confirm his voting rights were restored.

Dominique Grant speaks out on Georgia’s Senate Bill 63

By JLUSA

February 7, 2024

Dominique Grant (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) co-authored an op-ed to address the recently passed Georgia Senate Bill 63. Here’s what she said.

Tracey Syphax celebrates Black History Month with special menu items at Booker’s restaurant

By JLUSA

February 6, 2024

Tracey Syphax (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) and his wife Cheri were featured for Black History Month recently on ABC 6 in Philadelphia.

Ruby Welch on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

By JLUSA

February 5, 2024

She’s set her sights on building a network of “safe houses” for women across Arkansas. Ruby Welch (LwC 2023) joins the JustUs Speaks Podcast!

The Kemba movie trailer is here—release date announced!

By JLUSA

February 2, 2024

The film, inspired by the work of real-life criminal justice reform advocate Kemba Smith (LwC 2019), is set to premiere on BET+ on Feb. 22!

SaulPaul talks about “Be The Change” on PBS Newshour

By JLUSA

February 1, 2024

SaulPaul (Leading with Conviction™ 2018) was featured last week on PBS Newshour.

Mark Rice on Wisconsin’s prison lockdowns: “A hellish limbo”

By JLUSA

January 31, 2024

Mark Rice (Leading with Conviction™ 2017), coordinator of the Wisconsin Transformational Justice Campaign, joins the “Rattling the Bars” podcast.