Project Sound Off

10/10/2026

09/27/2026

After the rally, we took a moment to chill and let the day settle in.
Board Director Darlene Veal from Project Sound Off stood with Janet Jackson and Paula Sims from the Women’s Justice Institute.
State Rep. Theresa Mah joined the group alongside Marvin Alexis from Chicago Votes.

We snapped photos of all of us together, relaxed and smiling.
Those pictures became memories — proof that after the work, we still find joy in each other. We are humble and thank everyone for their support. We hope to see everyone at our S.O.S.
community even in Chicago on Oct 10th, 2026
review our flyer on Facebook

09/27/2026

Photo Contribution Acknowledgement....

A heartfelt thank you to the photographers and visual storytellers who captured the spirit, strength, and love of our rally. Your images help carry our message far beyond the moment.

Photographer Jack Austen — Chicago Reader
Brian Dolinar — Statesville Speaks
Jazmine Sales — Project Sound Off & NPTP
The Street Poet — Project News
along with so many others whose images helped carry our message forward. And even when racist Facebook comments try to twist the truth or tear down what we built, they only expose themselves. Their noise can’t touch the love, unity, and purpose we stood on that day. We may disagree with their words, but we understand the United States Constitution — the First Amendment protects freedom of speech. We are focused, professional in our work, and we will continue to fight for criminal justice reform. We block out the noise ....

09/26/2026

“Today was nothing but love and good energy. We had fun, we laughed, we connected — and we appreciate every single person who came out to stand with us. From our hearts to yours, thank you for showing up and showing love. We’re in this together, always.

09/26/2026

We have lived long enough to see laws change, governors change, and whole systems rise and fall — but what has never changed is our people’s belief in redemption. Today we stand here not in anger, but in purpose. We are telling the Governor that Illinois cannot keep burying our loved ones under extreme sentences. Bring back parole. Bring back hope. Bring back the promise that every person can grow, change, and return home under the Illinois Constitution Article 1 section 11.

09/26/2026

After the rally, Darlene from Project Sound Off gathered with friends for a quiet listening session — just talking, laughing, and letting the energy settle. It was that calm after the storm, where people could finally breathe, share stories, and feel the strength of what they had just stood for. No microphones, no chants — just community, decompressing together, holding onto hope, and chilling in the moment. Special shout to Max Cedar and Brian Dolinar, State Rep Thersa Mah and Junie J.

09/26/2026

The Emcee for the rally, Khalif from Project Sound Off, led the event with purpose, discipline, and a deep commitment to legislative change that honors the words and principles of the Illinois Constitution. His voice set the tone for a gathering rooted in justice, mercy, and the demand for second chances. He was followed by State Representative Theresa Mah, who delivered a heartfelt and urgent call for compassion — reminding the crowd that real change in Illinois must include mercy for families, dignity for returning citizens, and a constitutional path forward for all people across the state.

09/26/2026

Darlene from Project Sound Off having a listening session with friends. As the rally kept moving and speakers stepped up to the mic one after another, Darlene from Project Sound Off gathered with friends off to the side — a small listening circle in the middle of all the noise. They leaned in, sharing reactions, catching every word, feeling the energy rise with each new voice. It was that real-time moment where community, conversation, and the call for second chances blended together. Even while the mic kept passing, people were still connecting, still listening, still in the heartbeat of the event.

09/26/2026

Denise Bartik stood at the podium with the mic in her hand, speaking for every family waiting on second chances. Her voice carried the hope of a wife whose husband is serving life, reminding Illinois that earned re entry credits are not just policy — they are the pathway home for families like hers.

Beside her, Stanley Howard brought the rhythm and fire, pushing the crowd forward with his call for change. His energy turned the rally into movement, showing that second chances are powered by both love and relentless determination.