Onward Blog

JLUSA leaders speak at “Civic Power: Unlocking Our Democracy” in Denver, Colorado

By JLUSA

September 18, 2024

Avalon Betts-Gaston (Leading with Conviction™ 2022) and Kyle Giddings (LwC 2024) both spoke on panels at the Civic Power conference last month.

Keeda Haynes wins voting rights victory in Tennessee—but significant hurdles remain

By JLUSA

September 16, 2024

Attorney Keeda Haynes (Leading with Conviction™ 2022) with the non-profit Free Hearts represented the petitioners in this case.

Formerly incarcerated leaders and advocates in Wisconsin mark the 30th anniversary of the signing of the 1994 Crime Bill into law

By JLUSA

September 13, 2024

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the ’94 Crime Bill. Formerly incarcerated leaders in Wisconsin held a press conference earlier this week. Watch.

Ronald Simpson-Bey calls on President Biden to use his remaining time in office to fulfill promises on criminal justice reform

By JLUSA

September 12, 2024

“With five months left to serve, President Biden now has an unprecedented opportunity to make good on some of his promises ...”

Keturah Herron responds to mass shooting along Kentucky highway

By JLUSA

Keturah Herron (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) says it’s important to not look at acts of gun violence in isolation after recent mass shooting.

A Birthday Message for Kerry Kennedy

By JLUSA

September 11, 2024

Kerry Kennedy turned 65 this week, and we want to wish her a very special happy birthday!

Kyle Giddings on informing people in custody in Colorado about their voting rights

By JLUSA

September 9, 2024

Kyle Giddings (Leading with Conviction™ 2024 participant) talks about his work with educating people in Colorado jails about their voting rights.

Is Alabama just keeping people incarcerated to continue using them as cheap labor?

By JLUSA

September 5, 2024

If the Alabama Parole Board followed its own guidelines, it would grant parole in ~80% of cases. Instead, that number dropped to just 8% in 2023. Why?

Timothy Burgess discusses extreme heat in Vermont prisons with The Appeal

By JLUSA

September 3, 2024

Like much of the Northeast, Vermont is heating up at a troubling pace, making it one of the fastest-warming states in the country.

SaulPaul’s new album “Speak Hope, Sing Joy” is out now!

By JLUSA

August 30, 2024

Known for blending R&B, hip-hop, Afrobeat, folk, pop, and reggae, SaulPaul’s highly anticipated new album is out today!

Ruby Welch and Sheriff Eric Higgins discuss the “Unlocked: A Jail Experiment” docuseries

By JLUSA

August 29, 2024

Ruby Welch (Leading with Conviction™ 2023) works with Sheriff Eric Higgins in the Pulaski County, Arkansas, jail system.

On this anniversary, we remember Harry Belafonte’s pivotal role in the March on Washington

By JLUSA

August 28, 2024

Late singer, actor, and activist Harry Belafonte (1927-2023) was there 61 years ago and helped fund, organize, and publicize the March on Washington.