Van Jones Biography

Occup.	Activist
From	USA
Born	September 20, 1968
Age	56 years

Introduction
Van Jones, born upon September 20, 1968, is an American political commentator, author, activist, and former civil liberties attorney. He is best known for his work to promote social justice, ecological sustainability, and criminal justice reform. Throughout his profession, Jones has actually established initiatives and companies that resolve financial inequality, climate change, and the rights of marginalized populations. He has also authored numerous books on these topics.

Early Life and Education
Anthony Kapel "Van" Jones was born in Jackson, Tennessee, to Willie Anthony Jones and Loretta Jean Kirkendoll. He has one sibling, an identical twin sibling named Gerald. Jones grew up in a religious family, as his daddy was a principal at a middle school and his mother functioned as a teacher's assistant.

Jones went on to go to the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he got his Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science. He then made his Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School in 1993.

Early Career and Activism
After graduation, Jones started his profession as a civil liberties and ecological lawyer in San Francisco. During this time, he became deeply associated with neighborhood advocacy, concentrating on creating chances for underprivileged youth and marginalized populations.

In 1996, Jones co-founded the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in order to offer resources, support, and advocacy for victims of police brutality and people associated with the criminal justice system. The organization worked to empower communities and support progressive policy changes in locations of civil rights and criminal justice reform. Jones served as its executive director for 12 years.

Green Jobs and Environmental Leadership
Jones moved into the ecological arena in the mid-2000s, co-founding companies such as Green For All and Rebuild the Dream, which looked for to produce green tasks in low-income communities and promote environment justice.

In 2008, Jones published his very first book, "The Green Collar Economy", which ended up being a bestseller. The book calls for environmental and economic revitalization through the production of green tasks and a renewed commitment to sustainability.

Obama Administration
Van Jones' operate in the green-jobs motion caught the attention of President Barack Obama's administration. In 2009, Jones was selected as the Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

Nevertheless, Jones faced criticism and debate throughout his time in the Obama administration. He resigned after simply six months, mentioning a "character assassination" against him that diminished the administration's bigger objectives.

Media and Political Commentary
After his period in the Obama administration, Jones ended up being heavily involved in the world of media, initially as a political analyst and then hosting his own programs. In 2012, Jones co-founded Rebuild the Dream, a progressive advocacy company devoted to restoring the American economy in a more sustainable and socially just way.

Jones joined CNN as a political contributor in 2013, emerging on a variety of programs. He eventually co-hosted his own program, "Crossfire", alongside Newt Gingrich, S.E. Cupp, and Stephanie Cutter. The program ended in 2014, however Jones has stayed a popular voice on CNN, often offering analysis and commentary throughout major political occasions.

In 2018, Jones released his own show on CNN, "The Van Jones Show", where he interviews prominent figures and talks about concerns connected to social justice, politics, and culture.

Other Notable Work and Achievements
Jones has authored several books, including "Rebuild the Dream" and "Beyond the Messy Truth: How We Came Apart, How We Come Together". In addition to his television looks, Jones typically provides speeches and participates in panel discussions connected to his locations of competence.

Jones' work has been acknowledged with many awards and honors, including being called to TIME Magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2009, the NAACP's President's Award in 2010, and receiving the Webby Special Achievement Award for his operate in criminal justice reform.

Personal Life
Van Jones was married to Jana Carter, with whom he has two children. The couple separated in 2018. Jones remains a supporter for social and ecological justice, continuing to use his platform to raise awareness about pressing international problems.

Our collection contains 5 quotes who is written / told by Van.

Related authors: Newt Gingrich (Politician), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete), Barack Obama (President)

5 Famous quotes by Van Jones

"You've never seen a Columbine done by a black child. Never. They always say, 'We can't believe it happened here. We can't believe it's these suburban white kids.' It's only them!"

"Mr. Vice President, the most fiscally conservative thing this government has ever done, is to invest massively in the green part of the recovery. Because those green dollars are the hardest working dollars in the history of American politics. That same dollar that is being used to cut energy bills, is also cutting global warming gas emissions, is also cutting unemployment, is also cutting poverty, through retrofits it's also raising the value of homes, is also by cleaning the air, cutting asthma rates"

"Let me say what I actually believe. I believe that 9/11 was a conspiracy, by Al Qaeda, and Osama Bin Laden, and no one else trying to hurt America"

"I cannot in good conscience ask my colleagues to expend precious time and energy defending or explaining my past. We need all hands on deck, fighting for the future"

"There should be a moral principle there that says, let's green the ghetto first. Let's go to those communities where they have the least ability to pay for that retrofit and make sure they get that help, make sure they get that support. And give the young people standing on those corners the opportunity to put down those handguns and pick up some caulking guns and be a part of the solution"