Van Jones is a renowned American news commentator, author, and activist who has been a prominent figure in the political and social justice landscape. Born on September 20, 1968, in Jackson, Tennessee, Jones grew up in a family that valued education and social activism. His mother, Loretta Jean Jones, was a high school teacher, and his father, Willie Henry Jones, was a principal. Jones's early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education and community service, which would later shape his career and passions.
Early Education and Yale University
Jones attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he studied English and philosophy. However, he soon transferred to Yale University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1990 and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Yale Law School in 1993. During his time at Yale, Jones was actively involved in various social and political organizations, including the Black Student Alliance at Yale and the National Lawyers Guild. His experiences at Yale played a significant role in shaping his perspectives on social justice, politics, and community development.
Academic and Professional Career
After graduating from Yale Law School, Jones worked as a legal observer for the National Lawyers Guild and later as a staff attorney for the San Francisco Bay Area office of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. In 1996, he co-founded the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, a non-profit organization focused on social justice and community development. Jones’s work at the Ella Baker Center led to the development of several initiatives, including the Books Not Bars campaign, which aimed to reduce the number of youths in the juvenile justice system and promote alternative sentencing programs.
In 2007, Jones was appointed as the Green Jobs Advisor to the Obama Administration, where he worked on initiatives to promote green jobs and sustainable economic development. Although his tenure in this position was short-lived, Jones continued to advocate for environmental justice and sustainable economic development through his work as a commentator, author, and activist.
| Organization | Position | Years |
|---|---|---|
| National Lawyers Guild | Legal Observer | 1993-1994 |
| Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights | Staff Attorney | 1994-1996 |
| Ella Baker Center for Human Rights | Co-Founder and Executive Director | 1996-2008 |
| Obama Administration | Green Jobs Advisor | 2009 |
Media and Commentary Career
In addition to his work as an activist and author, Jones has also had a successful career in media and commentary. He has been a CNN commentator since 2013, appearing on various programs, including CNN Tonight with Don Lemon and The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. Jones has also written several books, including The Green Collar Economy and Rebuild the Dream, which explore themes of environmental justice, economic development, and social activism.
Books and Publications
Jones’s writing has been widely acclaimed for its thought-provoking analysis of social justice issues and its emphasis on community-led solutions. His books have been praised for their accessibility and insight into the complex relationships between environmental justice, economic development, and social activism.
- The Green Collar Economy (2008)
- Rebuild the Dream (2012)
- Beyond the Messy Truth (2017)
What is Van Jones’s background in social justice and activism?
+Van Jones has a long history of social justice and activism, dating back to his early involvement in the Black Student Alliance at Yale University. He has worked on various initiatives, including the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, the Green Jobs Advisor to the Obama Administration, and as a commentator and author.
What are some of Van Jones’s notable books and publications?
+Van Jones has written several books, including The Green Collar Economy, Rebuild the Dream, and Beyond the Messy Truth. These books explore themes of environmental justice, economic development, and social activism.
