Onward Blog

Tracey Syphax’s inspirational story for 400,000 Philadelphians living with criminal records

By JLUSA

May 2, 2024

Axios Philadelphia recently profiled Tracey Syphax (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) and shared his inspirational story.

Ashley Furst on reducing recidivism in Colorado

By JLUSA

May 1, 2024

Ashley Furst (LwC 2024 participant) says continued contact their reentry specialists provide helps keep participants from returning to prison.

JustLeadershipUSA Continues to Urge Biden Administration to Deschedule Rather Than Reschedule Marijuana

By JLUSA

April 30, 2024

Today, the DEA announced that it will send a proposal to the White House Office of Management and Budget to reschedule marijuana.

Philip Cooper celebrates the inaugural gala for Operation Gateway

By Stephen Knight

Last week, Philip Cooper (Leading with Conviction™ 2022) celebrated the inaugural fundraising gala for his organization Operation Gateway.

Melissa Ludin on advocating for second chances in Wisconsin

By Melissa Ludin

April 29, 2024

“Second chances don’t often support people categorized under violent offenses.”

Keeda Haynes responds to federal court decision on voting rights for people with felony convictions in Tennessee

By JLUSA

April 25, 2024

A federal judge affirmed that Tennessee election officials cannot deny voter registration to eligible Tennesseans who have past felony convictions.

Marcus Kelley on the existence of slavery in Michigan’s prison system

By JLUSA

April 24, 2024

Marcus Kelley (Leading with Conviction™ 2024 participant) writes for Riverwise Detroit about the exist of slavery in Michigan prisons.

Navigating the Paradox: Second Chance Month vs. Fair Chance Hiring

By Ashley Furst

April 23, 2024

Ashley Furst (Leading with Conviction™ 2024 participant) writes, “Individuals with lived experience … can help create solutions to these problems.”

Kristy Laschober on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

By JLUSA

April 22, 2024

She spent five years in prison and says she was angry at how women were treated behind the walls. She’s now a fierce advocate for reentry.

Lauren Johnson and Ruby Welch write on Second Chance Month for Ms. Magazine

By JLUSA

April 21, 2024

Lauren Johnson (LwC 2016) and Ruby Welch (LwC 2023) write about Second Chance Month at Ms. Magazine.

JustUS Coordinating Council Second Chance Month Reentry Simulation

By JLUSA

April 20, 2024

The JustUS Coordinating Council joins the Office for Access to Justice and the Bureau of Prisons for a reentry simulation event.

Emilee Shell fighting for voting rights for people in Mississippi with felony convictions

By JLUSA

April 19, 2024

Earlier this week Emilee Shell (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) spoke with media at the Mississippi Capitol in Jackson following a legislative hearing.