Van Jones

Van Jones
Name	Van Jones
Caption	Jones in 2019
Birth name	Anthony Kapel Jones
Birth date	20 September 1968
Birth place	Jackson, Tennessee, U.S.
Education	University of Tennessee at Martin (BA), Yale Law School (JD)
Occupation	Political commentator, author, lawyer
Spouse	Jana Carter, 2005, 2019
Party	Democratic

Van Jones is an American political commentator, author, and lawyer known for his work in environmental and social justice advocacy. He gained national prominence as a special advisor for green jobs in the Obama administration and later as a prominent host and contributor on CNN. Jones is the founder of several non-profit organizations, including the Dream Corps and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, focusing on criminal justice reform and a green economy.

Early life and education

Anthony Kapel Jones was born in Jackson, Tennessee, and was raised in a middle-class environment, with his mother working as a high school teacher. He attended Jackson Central-Merry High School where he showed early interest in civic engagement. Jones earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication and political science from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He subsequently attended Yale Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree, which solidified his commitment to public interest law and advocacy.

Career

Jones began his legal career focusing on civil rights, working with the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. In 1996, he co-founded the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in Oakland, California, an organization dedicated to criminal justice reform and police accountability. He later founded Green For All, a national initiative aimed at creating green jobs in underserved communities. His expertise led to his appointment in 2009 as the Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, serving under President Barack Obama. After leaving the Obama administration, Jones founded the Dream Corps, an incubator for social justice initiatives including #YesWeCode and #Cut50.

Political activism and advocacy

Jones's activism is centered on bridging economic and environmental issues, notably through his championing of the green jobs movement. He has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, working with bipartisan efforts like the First Step Act and through his #Cut50 initiative aimed at reducing the prison population. He has also been involved in police reform advocacy, supporting organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and campaigning against mass incarceration. His work often emphasizes solutions that address both climate change and economic inequality, positioning him as a key figure in progressive policy circles.

Media and public appearances

Jones is a frequent political commentator, having served as a host and contributor on CNN on shows like The Van Jones Show and as a co-host of The Crossfire reboot. He has made numerous appearances on other networks including MSNBC and Fox News, and has been a guest on programs like The Daily Show and Real Time with Bill Maher. He is the author of several books, including The Green Collar Economy and Beyond the Messy Truth. Jones also delivered a notable speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention and has participated in events like the TED Conference.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, Jones has received numerous accolades for his advocacy work. He was named a "Young Global Leader" by the World Economic Forum and has been recognized by Time magazine, which listed him as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" in 2009. He has also received awards from the NAACP and the Sierra Club, and was honored with the Gracie Award for his media work. His book The Green Collar Economy won the Nautilus Book Award.

Personal life

Jones was married to Jana Carter, an attorney and entrepreneur, from 2005 until their divorce in 2019; they have two children together. He resides in the Los Angeles area and is known for his practice of Buddhism, which he has cited as an influence on his approach to activism and reconciliation. Jones has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing his public career with family life and his personal spiritual journey.

Category:1968 births Category:Living people Category:American political commentators Category:American activists Category:CNN people