Onward Blog

A Voice, If You Can Keep It

By Guy Hamilton-Smith

August 20, 2024

“Kentucky’s new law does not outright ban speech on social media, nor could it. But for many people, including my client, it is a ban ...”

Brian Beals on expanding the Mud Theatre Project in Chicago

By JLUSA

August 19, 2024

Brian Beals was recently awarded a grant for the Mud Theatre Project as part of the Chicagoland Community Leadership Development Investment Program.

Simply Naomi performs “This Is Not My Home” — song that opened up the conversation around commutation for women in Pennsylvania

By JLUSA

August 16, 2024

“This Is Not My Home” by Simply Naomi is a soul classic cover originally sung by The Lady Lifers of SCI Muncy.

“Daughters” documentary about four girls with incarcerated fathers is out now on Netflix

By JLUSA

August 14, 2024

Learn more about the new Daughters documentary that took eight years to make—available now on Netflix!

JustLeadershipUSA Announces Chicago Beyond Grant Recipients for Directly Impacted People to Enact Change Within the Criminal Justice System

By JLUSA

JLUSA is excited to announce the recipients of grants from Chicago Beyond for The Chicagoland Community Leadership Development Investment Program.

“Sing Sing” costume designer Desira Pesta on “trauma-informed“ filmmaking

By JLUSA

August 9, 2024

Desira Pesta crafted Sing Sing’s costumes on a budget, not only for practical reasons, but also as a sort of “method” design.

Kamala Harris sat down with us as a presidential candidate in 2019 — here’s what she said about criminal justice reform

By JLUSA

August 8, 2024

Five years ago, JLUSA was involved in the planning and production of the “Justice Votes 2020 Town Hall,” featuring Kamala Harris. Watch video!

Jennifer Toon discusses lawsuit to force Texas to put air conditioning in all state prisons

By JLUSA

August 5, 2024

A federal judge in Austin is heard a lawsuit last week that aims to force Texas to put air conditioning in all state prisons.

Harold Trulear, Ph.D. named new director of the Black Congregations Resource Center at the Howard University School of Divinity

By JLUSA

August 1, 2024

Trulear’s work will empower African American preachers and congregations by equipping them with the necessary tools to address social justice issues.

JLUSA Leaders React to Kamala Harris Becoming the Presumptive Democratic Party Candidate for President

By JLUSA

July 31, 2024

DeAnna Hoskins and Robyn Hasan Simpson were both interviewed by Capital B News for a story this week.

JustLeadership Condems California Governor’s Executive Order to Demolish Homeless Encampments and Criminalize Homelessness

July 30, 2024

JustLeadershipUSA joins California-based homelessness and housing organizations in condemning Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order.

JustLeadershipUSA and the JustUS Coordinating Council Condemn the Nebraska AG’s Decision that Promotes Felony Voter Disenfranchisement

By JLUSA

July 29, 2024

JLUSA condemns recent efforts by Nebraska’s Attorney General and Secretary of State to halt any new voter registrations of Nebraskans with felonies.