Onward Blog

JustLeadershipUSA Calls on Other State Governors to Follow Maryland’s Lead and Issue Immediate Pardons for Marijuana Charges

By JLUSA

June 17, 2024

Today Maryland Gov. Wes Moore issued a mass pardon of more than 175,000 marijuana convictions, one of the nation’s most sweeping acts of this kind.

Emilee Shell to Formerly Incarcerated and Justice-Impacted Leaders: Join Us in D.C. on June 29!

By Emilee Shell

Your participation in the Moral March on Washington is vital because you bring a unique and powerful perspective to the fight for justice.

Ronald Simpson-Bey on how a current court case could take down “qualified immunity” for police and prosecutors

By Ronald Simpson-Bey

June 14, 2024

Because of the “absolute immunity” and “qualified immunity” doctrines, I was not able to sue the prosecutor nor law enforcement agents for misconduct.

Mark Rice responds to humanitarian crisis in Wisconsin prisons

By JLUSA

June 13, 2024

Mark Rice (Leading with Conviction™ 2017) writes, “It is time for Wisconsin policymakers to invest in care — not cages.”

JustLeadershipUSA Rejects the Pew Research Center’s Use of the Term “Racial Conspiracy Theories”

By JLUSA

June 12, 2024

The Pew Research Center has issued a new report entitled “Black Americans and Racial Conspiracy Theories About U.S. Institutions.” JLUSA responds.

Remembering Rev. James Lawson for his commitment to nonviolence

By JLUSA

June 11, 2024

JustLeadershipUSA remembers and honors the legacy of civil rights pioneer Rev. James Lawson (1928-2024).

JustLeadershipUSA Statement on the Passage of New York State Bill 309 in the Senate

By JLUSA

June 10, 2024

Last week, the bill that was inspired in part by JLUSA’s #JustUs policy recommendations passed in the New York State Senate.

Marlon Chamberlain on why people with felony convictions should be allowed to run for local office in Illinois

By JLUSA

Marlon Chamberlain (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) appeared last week on the “Legal Face-Off” show on WGN Radio.

Ashley Furst responds to the media portrayal of Trump’s felony convictions

By Ashley Furst

June 6, 2024

Ashley Furst (Leading with Conviction™ 2024 participant) writes, “I’m sure people have seen this image floating around the Internet by now ...”

Dawn Harrington speaks to the New York Times about the rhetoric surrounding Trump’s felony convictions

By JLUSA

June 5, 2024

Dawn Harrington (Leading with Conviction™ 2017) says the rhetoric has been “quite frankly dehumanizing to the base that we organize with.”

Kemba movie continuing to get attention and reach audiences

By JLUSA

June 4, 2024

Kemba Smith (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) sat down recently with FOX5 Atlanta and national NPR. Listen to those interviews now!

Keturah Herron says there’s “not a one-size-fits-all solution to gun violence”

By JLUSA

June 3, 2024

Rep. Herron (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) believes it would take prevention, intervention, and then community transformation.