Van Jones

Date of Birth: September 20, 1968

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Anthony Kapel “Van” Jones is an American news commentator, author, and lawyer. Born on September 20, 1968, in Jackson, Tennessee, Jones has made significant contributions as a civil rights activist and environmental advocate. He is best known for his work in advocating for social justice, green jobs, and criminal justice reform. Jones co-founded several non-profit organizations including the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Color of Change, and Green For All. He served as President Barack Obama’s Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Jones is also a regular CNN political contributor and the author of three New York Times best-selling books.

5 Interesting Facts about Van Jones

1. Van Jones co-founded the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, named after the civil rights hero, to focus on justice and opportunity in urban America.

2. He has won numerous awards, including the NAACP President’s Award in 2017.

3. Jones served as a distinguished visiting fellow at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

4. He launched the Dream Corps, a social justice accelerator that backs initiatives like #cut50, which aims to reduce the prison population by 50%.

5. Van Jones has been a vocal advocate for the Green New Deal, combining environmental justice with economic opportunity.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Van Jones

1. “I think we need a green Tea Party in this country of progressives who say, ‘We’re tired of waiting for solutions. We’re gonna start solving problems ourselves.’”

2. “The best way to fight poverty is to create good jobs.”

3. “You can’t heal what you don’t reveal.”

4. “In order to win, you have to believe you can win.”

5. “Let’s be clear: the future of our country depends on the future of all our children.”