Onward Blog

Terry Johnson on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

By JLUSA

February 26, 2024

He spent 22 years in prison, living every year like it might be his last. He’s found new purpose as a criminal justice reformer in Muskegan, Michigan.

Pauline Rogers calls Mississippi prison conditions “a clear violation of basic human rights”

By JLUSA

February 23, 2024

Incarcerated people at a Mississippi prison were forced to mix raw cleaning chemicals without protective equipment.

The Kemba movie is out now on BET+ streaming

By JLUSA

February 22, 2024

The wait is over! The Kemba movie is now streaming on BET+ as of today. Watch Kemba Smith (Leading with Conviction™ 2020) on the red carpet.

Kyle Giddings on Colorado’s move to become the first state to require in-person voting in jails

By JLUSA

February 21, 2024

Colorado could become the first state to require county jails to set up in-person voting stations for incarcerated voters.

Tiawana Brown on the city of Charlotte criminalizing homeless people

By Tiawana Brown

February 20, 2024

Charlotte, NC city council recently passed ordinances to criminalize six things that directly impact the city’s homeless population.

Candice Bailey on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

By JLUSA

February 19, 2024

She was facing 48 years, and miraculously only served three years behind bars. She now serves as a triple state commissioner in Colorado.

Systems-impacted leaders in Chicago join one of the largest ever Emerging Leaders™ trainings in JLUSA history

By JLUSA

February 16, 2024

JLUSA held one of the largest-ever Emerging Leaders™ trainings in the organization’s 10-year history. See photos.

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.