office@projectsoundoff.org | 1940 N Municipal Way Ste 1571, Round Lake IL 60073 | Find us on Facebook

office@projectsoundoff.org
1940 N Municipal Way Ste 1571, Round Lake IL 60073

Donate

About Us

Discover the mission and story behind Project Sound Off, a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to Criminal Justice Reform in Illinois. Learn about our efforts to empower individuals and communities, advocate for fairness, and protect constitutional rights.

Our Mission

Our mission is to form coalitions to empower people and organizations in the fight for fairness and reform of the criminal justice system.

Our goal is to educate the public about this system, which affects families, and people in prison and out. We will advocate and publicize their cause and a network of supporters in a campaign for change. We will support political leaders who protect our constitutional rights and lead for reform.

About Project Sound Off

We are a grassroots 501(C) (3) nonprofit organization formed to address the Criminal Justice Reform Movement in Illinois. The criminalization of our communities through mass incarceration and the Criminal Justice System have destroyed families’ lives across the state of Illinois. We believe that Public Safety can be achieved through other means and programing without relying on mass incarceration and taking away our constitutional rights.

Project Sound Off is dedicated to giving a voice to the political suppress as well as the less fortunate poor communities who have been subjected to and impacted by bad Legislation that has paved the way to a generation of incarceration for our kids. We must protect and defend the gains of the Civil Rights (Act), United States Constitution and the Illinois Constitutions in order to keep our freedom.

Who We Are

Our Motivating Team

Johnnie Khalif Veal

Executive Director

Darlene Veal

Board Treasurer

Ben Austen

Director Legislation
Research Strategist

Ted PeArson

Director Senior Advisor

Attorney Aviva Futorian

General Counsel

Willie J.R. Fleming

Director Of Community Outreach

Jamal Jones

General Director

Quintin Bradley

Director Of Prison Issues

Taunia Knights-LaSalle

Assistant Director
of Prison Issues

James Miller

Social Media / Research
Coordinator

Devorah Crable

Voter’s Registration, Coordinator

Davina Jones

Grants and Research
Coordinator

Khalif is a Chicago native and the founder and president of Project Sound Off, an organization dedicated to advocating for criminal justice reform and building coalitions to empower communities. He is a passionate public speaker, supporting second chance initiatives by empowering individuals and coalition partners to protect constitutional rights.

As a community activist and prison reformist for the past 27 years, Khalif has dedicated himself to fighting mass incarceration and recidivism laws that serve as a revolving door back to incarceration. He is also a recognized parole expert in this field.

Khalif is actively involved with the Chicago Alliance Against Racial and Political Repression (CAARPR) and Legal Aid Online (ILAO). He is an alumnus of Just Leadership USA (JLUSA.ORG). He holds degrees from Lewis University and MacMurray College, and is certified as a Paralegal in Illinois. Khalif continues to fight against legislation that erodes constitutional rights through his work in criminal justice reform.

Darlene Veal, a dedicated wife to Khalif Veal and mother of three adult sons, has had a remarkable career and personal journey. Before her retirement in 2021, she spent 14 years living in Southwest Kansas, where she achieved numerous elite degrees through The Cancer Exercise Training Institute (CETI) and the International Sports and Science Association (ISSA). These qualifications enabled her to excel as a Cancer Exercise and Fitness Specialist and a Youth Fit Camp Coach. Her expertise and passion for fitness even provided her with the unique opportunity to train with the NBA during preseason.

In addition to her fitness career, Darlene spent over 14 years in financial management, serving as a community liaison, and organizing leadership and fitness programs. Her dedication and inspirational work earned her multiple achievement awards, including recognition as the most inspirational person in Finney County, Kansas.

In the past three years, after relocating back to Illinois, Darlene embarked on a new journey. She now devotes her time to working in Northern Illinois suburbs school districts and advocating for criminal justice reform and against mass incarceration through Project Sound Off, an initiative she co-created with her husband. Her commitment to social justice is unwavering, and she aspires to be part of the solution to these pressing issues.

Despite her busy schedule, Darlene also serves as an Illinois Legal Aid Online community navigator, helping individuals navigate the legal system. Her multifaceted career and dedication to various causes make her an inspiring and impactful individual

Ben Austen is a journalist from Chicago. He is the author of Correction: Parole, Prison, and the Possibility of Change, which was named one of the best books of 2023 by the Washington Post. His book High-Risers: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing was longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Excellence in Nonfiction and named one of the best books of 2018 by Booklist, Mother Jones and the public libraries of Chicago and St. Louis. A former editor at Harper’s Magazine, Ben teaches in the Creative Writing Program at the University of Chicago. His feature writing has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, GQ, Wired and many other publications. He is the writer and host of the Audible Originals podcasts The Last Days of Cabrini-Green and The Parole Room, and he is the co-host of the podcast Some of My Best Friends Are….

Ted Pearson is the former co-chair of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. He has been an activist in the progressive and socialist movement for 60 years. He currently focuses on communications with people incarcerated in the Illinois Department of Corrections on behalf of the CAARPR.

Attorney Aviva Futorian

Aviva Futorian is a human rights attorney dedicated to prison reform in Illinois, currently representing long-term incarcerated individuals. She sits on the boards of the John Howard Association, Chicago Council of Lawyers, and Americans for Peace Now. She also co-founded and chairs an oral history project in northern Mississippi, which produced Voices from the Mississippi Hill Country (University Press of Mississippi, 2020).

From 1992 to 2011, she represented death-sentenced clients at post-conviction stages and became a leading advocate for abolishing the death penalty. She served on the board of the Illinois Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, coordinated prisoner support services, co-authored A Broken System at Work, and helped lead clemency efforts resulting in Governor Ryan commuting 167 death row sentences. The Illinois Legislature abolished the death penalty in 2011.

Earlier in her career, Aviva directed the Women’s Law Project in Chicago, served as Legislative Assistant to Congresswoman Elizabeth Holtzman, worked as an associate at Schiff Hardin & Waite, organized with SNCC in Mississippi, and taught high school history in Park Forest. She earned her J.D. from the University of Chicago and graduated cum laude from Brandeis University.

Willie J.R. Fleming

Willie Jr. Fleming is a seasoned human rights defender and community organizer with over 20 years of experience advocating for human rights both locally and internationally. He currently serves on the board of the U.S. Human Rights Network and is Executive Director of the Chicago Anti‑Eviction Campaign, which he co‑founded in 2009 in response to public‑housing demolitions in Cabrini‑Green  . His advocacy roots are in the human right to housing, and he has facilitated numerous human‑rights trainings for universities and institutions.

Fleming has coordinated key UN human‑rights missions:

  • 2008: Led U.S. coordination for the UN mission on the International Convention on Racial Discrimination with Special Rapporteur Doudou Diene (UN conv. on racial discrimination, USA, 2008).

  • 2009: Coordinated the UN mission on the Right to Adequate Housing with Special Rapporteur Raquel Rolnik.

  • 2016: Took a lead role in the UN Working Group on People of African Descent.

Domestically, he:

  • Collaborated with Northwestern University and Chicago youth in 2009 to advance a resolution supporting the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

  • Organized civil society and government bodies for UN Missions and human‑rights hearings at Northeastern Illinois University’s Inner‑City Studies program.

  • Championed reparative justice via the Illinois Study of Reparations with Representative HR 1011.

Jamal Jones is known by many as Cincere Knowledge. Cincere has been wrongfully convicted and has been incarcerated for the past 26 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Cincere is a mentor, peer educator, and elder statesman, who uses his platform to bring about change. He is a major advocate for educational opportunities to be afforded to all incarcerated individuals, regardless of their sentence.

He has co-founded several organizations and programs such as United Minds, The Legacy Group (TLG), that are designed to help individuals serve a meaningful term of incarceration by way of transformative justice.

Cincere’s mentorship extends beyond the prisons, as he works with community organizations to positively impact the youth. He is currently working with the Mayor of Evanston, Daniel Biss to create programs that will keep the youth out of the criminal legal system.

Cincere is currently a student in Northwestern University’s Prison Education Program, working his way towards a bachelor’s degree in sociology. A degree that will allow for him to continue being a voice for the voiceless, hope for the hopeless, and help for the helpless.

Quintin Bradley’s journey as a returning citizen to society and native of Chicago has deeply influenced the man he is today. As a certified Peer Educator specializing in human wellness with the Illinois Dept. of Public Health, Quintin has dedicated himself to facilitating the Man-to-Man mentorship program, where he provided crucial support to adults in crisis for 6 years. Through this role, Quintin has empowered individuals to cope with trauma, navigate loss, and receive the emotional support they need. This experience has given him a profound understanding of empathy and sympathy, reinforcing his commitment to assisting those in need and opening his heart and mind to others.

Quintin was mentored by Rev. Queen Mother Helen Sinclair from PUSH Prison Ministries. She played a pivotal role in igniting Quintin’s passion for community activism and advocating for prison reform. Her encouragement and guidance propelled Quintin to discover his life’s purpose: making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 

Embracing his commitment to community and social causes, Quintin has remained closely involved with the CAARPR and CAYTA (Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventure), demonstrating his unwavering dedication to uplifting and supporting the Chicago community.

Quintin’s unwavering focus and dedication to Criminal Justice Reform with Project Sound Off reflects his profound sense of purpose. Through this ongoing journey, Quintin is determined to effect positive change in our communities by challenging detrimental legislation and advocating for reforms to the permanent punishment laws that perpetuate the cycle of incarceration in struggling communities. Quintin’s unyielding commitment to this cause is a testament to his resilience and determination to make a lasting impact on society.

Taunia Knights-LaSalle

Born and raised in Chicago, I am a passionate advocate for justice and reform, with a life profoundly shaped by personal experiences within the criminal justice system. My commitment to advocacy stems from the deeply personal reality of my father’s incarceration, which has spanned over 54 years. His absence has significantly influenced my understanding of the systemic flaws in our justice system, the resilience of families impacted by long sentences, and the transformative potential of second chances.

Professionally, I have built a successful career in the mortgage industry as a Quality Assurance Analyst. This role has honed my skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail—competencies that seamlessly align with my work as an advocate. Every case I evaluate, every policy I challenge, and every voice I uplift brings us closer to a fairer and more equitable system.

Through my nonprofit endeavors, I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by incarceration. My mission is to educate, empower, and advocate for policies that emphasize fairness, rehabilitation, and second chances. From lobbying for prison reform to mentoring those impacted by the justice system, I strive to be a bridge between injustice and hope, championing the cause of meaningful change and healing.

James is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, dedicated to creating success pathways for marginalized communities. With a deep understanding of the law and a commitment to guiding individuals toward personal growth, he has made a significant impact in the field.

Background and Mission: After his own experience with the justice system, James emerged as a powerful force for change. Their journey from incarceration to empowerment fueled their determination to help others navigate reentry. He. firmly believes that everyone deserves a second chance and the tools necessary to thrive.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Legal Insight: As a former insider, James intimately understands the complexities of the legal system. He provides practical guidance, demystifying legal processes and empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
  • Youth Empowerment: Recognizing that young people face unique challenges, James focuses on equipping them with essential life skills. From financial literacy to emotional resilience, they champion holistic development.
  • Resource Acquisition: Whether it’s connecting someone to housing assistance, mental health services, or educational programs, James ensures that individuals have access to vital resources.
  • Chairman: Serving on the committee of Project Sound Off, James amplifies his impact. He advocates for systemic change, shedding light on the flaws within the justice system and championing evidence-based reforms.

Life Beyond Bars: James knows firsthand the challenges of reentry. He celebrates the freedom of life outside prison walls and channels his energy into positive endeavors. By doing the right thing and pushing forward, he inspires others to do the same.

Devorah Crable

Born and raised in Chicago, I am a passionate advocate for justice and reform, with a life profoundly shaped by personal experiences within the criminal justice system. My commitment to advocacy stems from the deeply personal reality of my father’s incarceration, which has spanned over 54 years. His absence has significantly influenced my understanding of the systemic flaws in our justice system, the resilience of families impacted by long sentences, and the transformative potential of second chances.

Professionally, I have built a successful career in the mortgage industry as a Quality Assurance Analyst. This role has honed my skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail—competencies that seamlessly align with my work as an advocate. Every case I evaluate, every policy I challenge, and every voice I uplift brings us closer to a fairer and more equitable system.

Through my nonprofit endeavors, I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by incarceration. My mission is to educate, empower, and advocate for policies that emphasize fairness, rehabilitation, and second chances. From lobbying for prison reform to mentoring those impacted by the justice system, I strive to be a bridge between injustice and hope, championing the cause of meaningful change and healing.

Davina J. Jones is a seasoned leader with 30 years of experience in business administration, organizational management, project management and community organizing. As the Founder and CEO of Hand Up Resource Center, Inc. and Clerical Concepts, she has developed innovative programs and training workshops focused on professional development, emergency response preparedness, and small business creation. A certified professional in Microsoft Office, Project Management, and CPR/AED-BLS instruction. Davina managed teams of up to120 and supported executive leadership while implementing data-driven strategies to enhance civic engagement. Her work includes reentry support for justice-impacted individuals, youth mentorship, and digital organizing, where she has designed impactful voter education campaigns to mobilize communities and drive meaningful change.