Onward Blog

Image for post titled JLUSA leader Maggie Luna on “being cooked alive” in Texas prisons

JLUSA leader Maggie Luna on “being cooked alive” in Texas prisons

By JLUSA

June 30, 2023

Maggie Luna [Leading With Conviction™ 2021 graduate] speaks with KXAN about horrifying conditions inside non-air conditioned Texas prisons.

Image for post titled JLUSA leader Rep. Keturah Herron on how state legislatures can address the school-to-prison pipeline

JLUSA leader Rep. Keturah Herron on how state legislatures can address the school-to-prison pipeline

By JLUSA

Kentucky State Rep. Keturah Herron [Leading With Conviction™ 2019 graduate] joins Rattling the Bars to discuss the school-to-prison pipeline.

Image for post titled JLUSA leaders’ work guides inaugural Holistic Safety Action Alliance

JLUSA leaders’ work guides inaugural Holistic Safety Action Alliance

By JLUSA

June 29, 2023

Chicago Beyond has announced the inaugural Holistic Safety Action Alliance (HSAA), a first-of-its-kind, multi-state coalition.

Image for post titled It’s “Abolition Week” at Scalawag Magazine!

It’s “Abolition Week” at Scalawag Magazine!

By JLUSA

June 19, 2023

This is Scalawag Magazine’s fourth annual “Abolition Week,” June 19-23. Learn more.

Image for post titled A Father’s Motivation

A Father’s Motivation

By Ronald Simpson-Bey

June 16, 2023

Since 2001, every Father’s Day has been a bittersweet moment for me.

Image for post titled JLUSA leader Tarra Simmons first among five formerly incarcerated elected to state legislatures since 2021

JLUSA leader Tarra Simmons first among five formerly incarcerated elected to state legislatures since 2021

By JLUSA

Since 2021, a string of people have been elected to state legislatures who openly discuss their histories with the criminal justice system.

Image for post titled “Slutty Vegan” founder credits her formerly incarcerated father for her entrepreneurial hustle

“Slutty Vegan” founder credits her formerly incarcerated father for her entrepreneurial hustle

By JLUSA

June 13, 2023

Aisha “Pinky” Cole, owner and operator of the Slutty Vegan restaurant chain, was profiled recently in The New Yorker.

Image for post titled Hear directly from Larry Miller at JLUSA’s Ninth Annual Benefit Gala

Hear directly from Larry Miller at JLUSA’s Ninth Annual Benefit Gala

By JLUSA

June 4, 2023

In this interview, Nike executive Larry Miller shares why employers should give the formerly incarcerated a second chance.

Image for post titled JLUSA leader Ashley Goldon says: “Don’t forget those who can’t get a clean slate”

JLUSA leader Ashley Goldon says: “Don’t forget those who can’t get a clean slate”

By JLUSA

June 3, 2023

2020 Leading with Conviction™ graduate and 2023 Leading with Conviction™ Award recipient Ashley Goldon writes about her experience with “Clean Slate.”

Image for post titled Use the “Copeland Test” to determine if a movie or TV show is antiracist

Use the “Copeland Test” to determine if a movie or TV show is antiracist

By JLUSA

Dr. Philippe Copeland has developed what he calls the “Copeland test” for determining if a movie or TV show is antiracist.

Image for post titled JLUSA leader David Gaspar on <em>Rattling the Bars</em>

JLUSA leader David Gaspar on Rattling the Bars

By JLUSA

May 30, 2023

2019 Leading with Conviction graduate David Gaspar joins Mansa Musa on Rattling the Bars to talk about the cash bail system in the U.S.

Image for post titled <em>Queer Eye</em> season 7 features formerly incarcerated business owner

Queer Eye season 7 features formerly incarcerated business owner

By JLUSA

May 27, 2023

Maryam Henderson-Uloho owns SisterHearts Thrift Store and employs other formerly incarcerated people like herself.