Onward Blog

New collection of American prison writing showcases 50 years of incarcerated people’s voices fighting for their own humanity

By JLUSA

November 28, 2025

For 50 years, people in prison have been writing to expose the lies, shore up their own humanity, build community and imagine a better society ...”

Paul Rothschild announces the release of the “Movement Mix-Tape Volume 1”

By JLUSA

November 24, 2025

Paul Rothschild (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) writes, “The Movement Mix-tape Volume I is live on 23 streaming platforms and stores!”

Sing Sing star Clarence Maclin becomes Executive Producer on The Breakthrough Group short documentary

By JLUSA

November 21, 2025

Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, who earned an Oscar nomination for the Sing Sing screenplay, has boarded this new documentary short.

Judith Negron shares her support for the SAFER Supervision Act

By JLUSA

November 19, 2025

“I had a three-year supervised release, and the conditions were nearly impossible.”

New Report: In America, the Price of Freedom Is Debt

By JLUSA

November 12, 2025

“The Cost of Conviction” is a new collaborative policy brief from JustLeadershipUSA, the Hip Hop Caucus, and Americans for Financial Reform.

Mark Rice on Wisconsin’s plan to overhaul prison system

By JLUSA

November 10, 2025

“[GBCI] should’ve been closed down 20 years ago,” said Mark Rice (Leading with Conviction™ 2017). “The timeline is just too slow.”

Jelly Roll announces plan to build rehab facility on his 100-acre property in Tennessee

By JLUSA

November 7, 2025

“This isn’t just about building a facility — Jelly Roll wants to create a transformational experience for people in their darkest moments.”

Kemba Smith receives HBCU Scholars Fellowship from Virginia Humanities

By JLUSA

November 6, 2025

Kemba Smith Pradia (Leading with Conviction™ 2019) says, “This fellowship will personally help me reconnect with my voice as a writer and scholar ...”

JLUSA alumni celebrate “Clean Slate” victory in Illinois

By JLUSA

November 4, 2025

JustLeadershipUSA celebrates with alumni leaders who were instrumental in this victory.

Jonathan Morgan explains why saying “reentry begins at arrest” is actually wrong

By JLUSA

November 3, 2025

Jonathan Morgan (Leading with Conviction™ 2022) writes, “When we call everything ‘reentry,’ we lose sight of what truly helps people succeed ...”

JLUSA co-hosts “Municipal Courts and the Promise of Community Justice” convening at Rutgers University

October 30, 2025

Last week, JLUSA leaders, alumni, and partners joined advocates and practitioners from across the country in Newark, NJ, at Rutgers University.

Jamira Burley on what it’s like to rely on food assistance programs like SNAP

By JLUSA

October 29, 2025

Jamira Burley (Leading with Conviction™ 2015) writes, “Most people don’t know what it’s like to [experience food insecurity]. I do.”