Onward Blog

Emilee Shell on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

By JLUSA

March 4, 2024

After four times in prison, she went to the sober living facility for women that she is currently the director of now. Listen now!

JustLeadershipUSA celebrates Women’s History Month

By JLUSA

March 1, 2024

Throughout every aspect of our DNA, women have played a vital role in shaping our organization and driving its success.

Emilee Shell rallies poor and low-wage Mississippians to march on their state capital

By JLUSA

Emilee Shell (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) is a tri-chair with the Mississippi Poor People’s Campaign. Watch her speech!

Yasmine Arrington is a finalist for SUCCESS magazine’s “2024 Women of Influence”

By JLUSA

February 29, 2024

Every year, the SUCCESS Women of Influence awards shine an exciting spotlight on remarkable women who transcend boundaries.

The “other” Kemba movie — “As We Speak” — is out this week on Paramount+

By JLUSA

February 28, 2024

A new documentary compellingly portrays the criminal justice system as inherently biased against especially young Black men.

Ruby Welch featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary “The Barber of Little Rock”

By JLUSA

February 27, 2024

Ruby Welch (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) is featured in the new Oscar-nominated documentary. Watch now!

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.