Meet our 2025 UnCommon Heroes — two visionary leaders whose advocacy and courage embody what it means to center community: Amika Mota and Tinisch Hollins. Learn more about our heroes and get your ticket today: www.uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes

Our UnCommon Heroes event is less than a month away, and we can’t wait to gather in community with you. There’s still time to get your tickets – make sure you grab yours today. www.uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommo...

A look back at the moments that brought our community together at last year’s UnCommon Heroes. Join us Nov 1, 1–4 pm, at The Bridge Yard in Oakland as we welcome people returning home from prison and honor Amika Mota & Tinisch Hollins. Learn more: www.uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes

Each homecoming is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in both healing and in one another. These moments point us back to what holds us together: community. That’s why we hope you’ll join us on November 1 for UnCommon Heroes. Learn more: www.uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes

UnCommon Heroes returns Nov 1 at The Bridge Yard, Oakland! Your continued support helps make this work possible. Standing with us means standing with the people we serve and makes you a vital part of our mission and this homecoming. RSVP today: uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes.

🌟 Announcing our 2025 UnCommon Heroes! 🌟 This year, we are proud to honor Tinisch Hollins and Amika Mota. We hope you can join us in celebrating these incredible leaders and more at UnCommon Heroes on November 1. Learn more and get tickets: https://www.uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes

Meet Darby, UnCommon Law's staff attorney who has been leading the work of our Parole Denial Habeas Handbook since 2022! This step-by-step guide is designed to help people in CA challenge illegal parole denials in state court. Download today: uncommonlaw.org/s/Challenging-a-Parole-Guide.pdf

In case you missed it, enjoy these powerful moments from the Salinas Valley Cohort 2 Home After Harm graduation in our photo gallery. 📸 See the full gallery: www.uncommonlaw.org/svsp-graduation

Thank you to everyone who joined our film screening, and to our filmmakers Rahsaan Thomas, Donte D. Jones, and Thanh Tran, all formerly incarcerated, for sharing their lens. It was a powerful afternoon for our community to witness often unseen stories and to share in the dialogue with the directors.

Ticket sales are now live for UnCommon Heroes! This year’s theme is about standing shoulder to shoulder with those most impacted by the system and building communities rooted in compassion, accountability, and collective healing. RSVP today: https://www.uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes

On August 7, an inspiring milestone was marked with the graduation of our second Home After Harm cohort at Salinas Valley State Prison. Thirty graduates and two peer mentors were honored for their commitment to growth, healing, and transformation. View photos: www.uncommonlaw.org/svsp-graduation

We’re thrilled to announce the return of UnCommon Heroes on Sat, Nov 1, 1–4 PM at The Bridge Yard. Join us as we celebrate, reflect, and welcome home our former clients and others recently released from prison. Tickets are live! RSVP today: https://www.uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes

At the heart of #BlackAugust is the legacy of George Jackson, author, activist, and revolutionary who played a powerful role in the Black freedom struggle. Today marks 54 years since his life was cut short. His vision has inspired decades of advocacy and remains central to our work.

We had such a great time at our farewell picnic yesterday, sending off our comms intern Anyza, legal interns Mia and Roberto, and policy associate Gema. We’re so grateful for all the amazing work you’ve put in. Wishing you all the best on what’s ahead. We know you all will keep doing amazing things!

📢 We’re so excited to announce UnCommon Law’s new FREE handbook: Challenging Your Parole Denial in California State Court! Download the handbook today at www.uncommonlaw.org/s/Challenging-a-Parole-Guide.pdf

In honor of Black August and his memorial today, we remember David Johnson, a member of the San Quentin Six and activist alongside George Jackson, who fought for the rights and fair treatment of Black incarcerated people. Thank you, Freedom Archives, for allowing us to share this photo.

In honor of Black August, and with this week marking 10 years since his passing, we remember Hugo “Yogi” Pinell. Yogi’s life was defined by courage, solidarity, and an unbreakable commitment to the liberation of oppressed people. His legacy continues to inspire. #BlackAugust #HugoYogiPinell

We loved celebrating with you at UnCommon Heroes last year! Join us this year for Centering Community: A Celebration of Solidarity on Sat, Nov 1 at 1 PM, The Bridge Yard, Oakland. Tickets go live Aug 25. Save the date! More info: www.uncommonlaw.org/2025-uncommon-heroes

After 45 years of incarceration, our client Steve came home today. To be reunited with his loved ones after so many years is a reminder of why this work matters. His transformation over the decades has been incredible, and it meant so much to our team to witness this moment. Welcome home, Steve.

Less than a month away! Join us Sunday, August 24, 12:30–2:30 PM at The New Parkway Theater for three powerful short films by formerly incarcerated filmmakers—followed by a live panel. Tickets: https://www.uncommonlaw.org/2025filmscreening

Please join us in welcoming the newest addition to our leadership team at UnCommon Law – Kamau Butcher, Director of Policy and Advocacy! Read more: uncommonlaw.org/new-hire-2025-kamau-butcher

A very special day at Lancaster yesterday. UnCommon Law wrapped up Home After Harm Cohort 3 with a powerful graduation ceremony at California State Prison, LA. 📸 Here’s the Home After Harm team post-graduation, after months of hard work leading up to yesterdays event!

Join UnCommon Law for a special film screening and live panel discussion featuring three short films by formerly incarcerated filmmakers. Following the screening, hear directly from the directors in a panel discussion. Learn more and save your seats today! www.uncommonlaw.org/2025filmscreening

Our Senior Policy Manager, Su Kim, speaks on the effectiveness of youth parole in this @Calmatters feature. Read more: https://calmatters.org/justice/2025/07/life-without-parole/ #YouthParole #ParoleReform #TransformativeJustice

As #NationalMinorityMentalHealthAwarenessMonth ends, we uplift our Home After Harm grads — showing what’s possible when people, marginalized and placed in retraumatizing environments, are given the tools to heal, grow, and break generational cycles of harm.

📸 LA creators! Want to use your skills for justice + healing? We’re looking for volunteer photographers + videographers to capture powerful release day moments as clients reunite with loved ones. Email [email protected] to volunteer.

July is #MinorityMentalHealthMonth. Mental health issues are often criminalized instead of treated, especially for people of color. These communities face higher rates of incarceration, yet are less likely to receive treatment.

📸 Calling all photographers and videographers in LA! Are you passionate about using your creative skills to support justice and healing? We’re looking for volunteers to help capture powerful moments as our clients reunite with loved ones on their release day. Interested? Email [email protected]

In light of recent events, we know many are feeling afraid and uncertain. We care deeply about our community’s safety and have compiled trusted immigration resources to help you or your loved ones navigate this difficult time. https://www.uncommonlaw.org/resources

As conversations about safety, justice, and parole reform continue to evolve nationwide, we recognize how critical it is to welcome five new board members at this time. Each brings vital experience grounded in the values that drive our mission forward. uncommonlaw.org/2025-new-board-members

In observance of Juneteenth, our office will be closed Thursday, June 19. As we honor this important day, we’re reminded of why this work remains urgent, and we remain grounded in our mission of healing, accountability, and liberation. Wishing everyone a safe and reflective Juneteenth.

Resource available: This guide helps people prepare for parole hearings where they might be questioned about unemployment fraud (EDD fraud) or trying to avoid paying restitution. https://bit.ly/EDD-Fraud #RestitutionAvoidance #EDDFraud

Patricia Krenwinkel granted parole a 2nd time — we urge Gov. Newsom to uphold the law and Ca’s promise of rehabilitation. Read more via @theguardian.com‬ www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/04/charles-manson-follower-patricia-krenweinkel-parole #PatriciaKrenwinkel #ParoleJustice #MansonFamily

We’re hiring an Operations and Finance Coordinator! Help keep UnCommon Law’s internal operations running smoothly by supporting finance, admin, tech systems, and daily logistics that make our work with people serving life sentences possible. Apply today: https://uncommonlaw.bamboohr.com/careers/99

This is a critical and meaningful step in the right direction, but more is needed. There are still concerns that parole denials based on these false positives remain on people’s records and could affect future parole decisions. ‪Read more via @latimes.com‬ https://lat.ms/4mFFRxK #MATFalsePositives

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we’re lifting up the voices of those who meet people in their most vulnerable moments and walk with them toward healing. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Video recap of last week’s Quest for Democracy! Huge thanks to @allofusornone for organizing powerful legislative visits at the Capitol and creating such an informative, energizing experience. #questfordemocracy #q4d2025

As we near the end of May, #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we’re spotlighting members of our clinical team whose lived experiences and deep commitment to healing guide our work.

A meaningful send-off honoring Keith’s impact over the past 19 years as he prepares for a well-earned sabbatical. Want to stay in the loop with what’s happening at UnCommon Law? Join our mailing list to receive important email announcements in the coming weeks. www.uncommonlaw.org/mailinglist

More than 1 in 3 people in state prisons were first arrested before their 16th birthday. The criminalization of youth has life-altering consequences. Shouldn't the US be investing in youth instead of locking them up?

The US allows children — especially Black children — to grow up in poverty. With demographic data, we can see more clearly how many of those kids grow up to fill state prisons.

Su Kim of @uncommonlaw.bsky.social, a nonprofit that advocates for incarcerated people, believes the public has a “stranger danger” fear that people who come out of prison will reoffend. But, the recidivism rate for those released on Elderly Parole is just 2.4% capitolweekly.net/should-older...

Tomorrow, the Senate Appropriations Committee will decide on SB 286—a bill that would exclude thousands w/ sex offense convictions from California’s statutory Elderly Parole Program. ‪@capitolweekly.bsky.social‬ capitolweekly.net/should-older-sex-offenders-be-eligible-for-early-release-from-prison/

Powerful day at the Capitol today. Thank you, @allofusornone. #QuestForDemocracy #Q4D2025 #PowerInParticipation

UnCommon Law joining #QuestForDemocracy at the Capitol today! #Q4D2025 #PowerInParticipation @AllOfUsOrNone

📢 New guide alert: AB 1186 cancels restitution fines after 10 years, but not victim restitution. Past restitution avoidance can still impact parole! This guide explains AB 1186, outlines what to expect at parole hearings, and how to prepare. http://bit.ly/AB1186 #RestitutionAvoidance #AB1186

After 21 years of incarceration, former client @emilesdeweaver.bsky.social found healing through writing. Now an award-winning writer and activist, with a new book launch and a tour ahead: www.reframeconsults.com/events We’re honored to witness his journey, transformation, and growth.

A very powerful day yesterday at Lancaster, where meaningful conversations highlighted the impact and critical need for our Home After Harm program in maximum security prisons. Thank you to everyone who showed up to witness what’s possible when healing replaces harm.

Our 2024 Annual Report is here: a reflection of a year rooted in healing, advocacy, and collective impact. Thank you to all of our advocates and supporters who stood with us and helped strengthen our mission. Read the full report: https://www.uncommonlaw.org/s/UnCommon-Law-2024-Annual-Report.pdf

📢 We’re hiring! UnCommon Law is looking for a Development Associate to help strengthen our grassroots fundraising, build deeper donor relationships, and bring our mission to life through impactful events. Apply today: https://uncommonlaw.bamboohr.com/careers/98