Van Jones (born September 20, 1968) is an American attorney, author, and activist known for work on civil rights, environmental justice, and economic opportunity. He was born in Tennessee and has led and advised several nonprofit organizations focused on clean-energy jobs and racial equity. In early 2009 he was appointed by President Barack Obama to a White House role related to green jobs; he stepped down from that position later the same year after public controversy about his earlier political associations. Jones has since continued to work as a writer, commentator, and advocate.
Early life and education
Jones grew up in Tennessee and later pursued higher education and legal training. He holds a law degree and began his professional career combining legal practice with community organizing and advocacy for low-income communities and people of color.
Nonprofit and advocacy work
Over the years Jones founded and led organizations that connect environmental goals with social and economic opportunity. His work has emphasized creating jobs in clean-energy sectors for communities that have been left behind by the broader economy, and he has served in leadership and advisory roles at groups working on criminal-justice reform, green jobs, and civic engagement.
- He founded and led initiatives aimed at building a green-economy workforce and expanding access to living-wage jobs in new environmental industries.
- Jones has also worked with organizations that focus on racial justice and community reinvestment.
White House appointment and resignation
In early 2009 Jones accepted a White House advisory post on green jobs and related economic initiatives. Months after his appointment, critics highlighted his prior statements and activist associations; the ensuing media and political pressure culminated in his resignation in September 2009. Jones has discussed the episode publicly and continued his advocacy work following his departure from the White House.
Later career
After leaving government service, Jones resumed roles in policy and public commentary. He has been a senior fellow at think tanks and a senior policy advisor to green-job and environmental-justice organizations. Jones has also worked as a television commentator and produced writing aimed at a broad audience about economic fairness, climate policy, and political reform.
Writing
Jones is the author of books and numerous essays addressing the intersection of race, the economy, and the environment. His books aimed to outline practical policies for job creation and a more inclusive economy, and he has contributed commentary to national publications and broadcasts.
Public reputation
Jones is a polarizing figure for some: supporters credit him with bringing attention to the overlap between environmental and economic justice, while critics have seized on his past remarks and alliances to challenge his suitability for government office. He remains an active participant in public debates about climate policy, jobs, and criminal-justice reform.