40 Facts About Van Jones

Early Life and Education

Van Jones has an intriguing background that shaped his career and beliefs. Here are some interesting facts about his early life and education.

1. Born on September 20, 1968, in Jackson, Tennessee, Van Jones grew up in a middle-class family.
2. His father, Willie Anthony Jones, was a principal at a middle school, while his mother, Loretta Jean, was a high school teacher.
3. Van Jones has a twin sister named Angela.
4. He attended Jackson Central-Merry High School, where he was an honor student.
5. Jones earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Communication and Political Science from the University of Tennessee at Martin.
6. He later attended Yale Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1993.

Career Beginnings

Van Jones' career began with a focus on social justice and environmental issues. His early work laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

7. After graduating from Yale, Jones moved to San Francisco and became involved in social justice movements.
8. He co-founded the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in 1996, which focuses on criminal justice reform.
9. In 2005, he founded Green For All, an organization dedicated to building a green economy while lifting people out of poverty.
10. Jones also co-founded Color of Change in 2005, an organization that advocates for racial justice.

Political Involvement

Van Jones has been actively involved in politics, particularly in advocating for environmental and social justice policies.

11. In 2009, he was appointed as Special Advisor for Green Jobs by President Barack Obama.
12. Jones resigned from his position in the Obama administration after controversy over past political statements.
13. He has been a vocal advocate for the Green New Deal, a proposed package of United States legislation that aims to address climate change and economic inequality.
14. Jones has testified before Congress on multiple occasions, advocating for criminal justice reform and environmental policies.

Media Presence

Van Jones is a well-known media personality, frequently appearing on television and writing for various publications.

15. He is a regular contributor to CNN, where he provides political commentary and analysis.
16. Jones has hosted several shows on CNN, including "The Messy Truth with Van Jones" and "The Redemption Project."
17. He has written three New York Times best-selling books: "The Green Collar Economy," "Rebuild the Dream," and "Beyond the Messy Truth."
18. Jones has been featured in numerous documentaries, including "13th," a film about the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States.

Awards and Recognition

Van Jones' work has earned him numerous awards and recognition over the years.

19. In 2008, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
20. He received the NAACP President's Award in 2010 for his work on green jobs and environmental justice.
21. Jones was awarded the Environmental Media Association's Green Biz Global Innovator Award in 2013.
22. He received the Webby Special Achievement Award in 2017 for his use of digital media to promote social change.

Personal Life

Van Jones' personal life is just as interesting as his professional career. Here are some facts about his life outside of work.

23. He is a father to two sons, Cabral and Mattai.
24. Jones practices Transcendental Meditation, which he credits with helping him manage stress and maintain focus.
25. He is a vegan and advocates for plant-based diets as a way to improve health and reduce environmental impact.
26. Jones has been open about his struggles with depression and the importance of mental health awareness.

Advocacy and Activism

Van Jones continues to be a prominent advocate for various social and environmental causes.

27. He launched the #YesWeCode initiative, which aims to teach 100,000 low-income youth to code.
28. Jones is a co-founder of the Dream Corps, a social justice accelerator that supports initiatives like #cut50, which aims to reduce the prison population by 50%.
29. He has been a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.
30. Jones frequently speaks at conferences and events, advocating for policies that promote social justice and environmental sustainability.

Recent Work

Van Jones remains active in his advocacy and media work, continuing to influence public discourse.

31. In 2020, he launched the REFORM Alliance with Jay-Z and Meek Mill, aiming to transform the criminal justice system.
32. Jones has been a prominent voice in discussions about police reform and systemic racism.
33. He continues to appear on CNN, providing analysis on current political events.
34. Jones is working on a new book that explores the intersection of social justice and environmental sustainability.

Fun Facts

Here are some lighter, fun facts about Van Jones that you might not know.

35. He is a huge fan of science fiction and enjoys reading books by authors like Octavia Butler and Isaac Asimov.
36. Jones loves hip-hop music and often references it in his speeches and writings.
37. He has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
38. Jones enjoys hiking and often spends his free time exploring nature trails.
39. He is an avid chess player and enjoys the strategic challenge the game provides.
40. Jones has a passion for cooking and often experiments with new vegan recipes.

Van Jones: A Remarkable Journey

Van Jones has made a significant impact in various fields. From his work as a civil rights activist to his role as a political commentator, he's been a driving force for change. His efforts in criminal justice reform and environmental advocacy have earned him widespread recognition. Jones co-founded several organizations, including Dream Corps and Color of Change, which focus on social justice and environmental issues.

His books, like "The Green Collar Economy" and "Rebuild the Dream," offer insights into his vision for a better future. Jones' contributions to CNN as a commentator have also helped shape public discourse on important issues. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication and passion in making a difference. Van Jones continues to inspire many with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.