Newsroom

Congratulations to CJJ’s 2022 Annual Awards Awardees

Each year at our Annual Conference, CJJ recognizes and honors individuals that embody the organization’s guiding principles and serve as leaders in our field. We acknowledge the value of young pioneers, who are just beginning to make their mark, as well as dedicated leaders who have devoted decades of their careers to championing for youth. Congratulations to this

Congratulations to CJJ’s 2022 Annual Awards Awardees Read Full Article »

Commissioner Updates: The Commission Welcomes Jelani R. Floyd and Tamela Meehan

Jelani R. Floyd, licensed attorney, and National Basketball Players Association Certified Player agent is a co-founder of the premier sports agency firm Beyond Athlete Management. Jelani also empowers current and future professional athletes through his weekly newsletter, Own Your Talent™ which provides athletes with insight and knowledge to maximize the business side of sports and

Commissioner Updates: The Commission Welcomes Jelani R. Floyd and Tamela Meehan Read Full Article »

Commissioner Esther Franco-Payne recognized with Chicago Black women leaders

The Chicago Tribune recently sat down to talk with local Black women leaders about their leadership and what it means to the communities they serve. One of these influential Black women is Commissioner Esther Franco-Payne, executive director of Cabrini Green Legal Aid. Since 1999, she has been working in her local community to affect lasting

Commissioner Esther Franco-Payne recognized with Chicago Black women leaders Read Full Article »

Michelle Mbekeani with Cook County State's Attorney's Office Appointed as New Commissioner

Michelle Mbekeani is a Policy Advisor in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Prior to that, Michelle was a Staff Attorney at the Shriver Center on Poverty Law. There she focused on police reform, voting rights, and criminal justice reform. At the Shriver Center Michelle authored a report, Handcuffs in Hallways, that did an in-depth

Michelle Mbekeani with Cook County State's Attorney's Office Appointed as New Commissioner Read Full Article »

Commissioner Shelley Davis appointed as President & CEO of The Coleman Foundation

The Coleman Foundation Board of Directors announced today its appointment of Commissioner Shelley A. Davis as the new President and CEO. Davis is a lifelong Chicagoan with over 25 years of experience in the non-profit and philanthropic sectors. Shelley is committed to social justice, equity, and serving as a bridge between community and resources. Davis’

Commissioner Shelley Davis appointed as President & CEO of The Coleman Foundation Read Full Article »

Trial & sentencing of juveniles as adults increases harm & devalues youth potential for rehabilitation

When he was 15 years old, Illinois Juvenile Justice Commissioner Marshan Allen received a sentence of life-without-parole for an offense that occurred when he was 15 years old. After serving 24 years, 3 months, and 4 days, a court ruling allowed Allen to be released in December 2016. Now four years out, Allen has been

Trial & sentencing of juveniles as adults increases harm & devalues youth potential for rehabilitation Read Full Article »