We are honored to host State Senator Emanuel Jones as our latest guest on (Y) Connect. Jones recently helped establish an essential collaboration between the South DeKalb Y and the state’s Department of Family and Children's Services. Instrumentally impacting the community by combating learning loss among under-resourced families, Senator Jones also joins us to share inspiring stories, including his experiences of being orphaned at age 11 and how the Y positively influenced his life.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[01:44] Allison is pleased to introduce today’s guest, Senator Emanuel Jones, to discuss a partnership aimed at mitigating learning loss and bolstering youth achievement among low-income people of color
[4:10] Senator Jones reveals the inspiration for collaborations between Georgia and the Y in South DeKalb County
[5:27] Senator Jones speaks from his own experience of how the Y played a role in providing opportunities for him and his children to launch their careers
[9:17] Senator Jones explains how the Y has influenced his approach to public service and the issues he champions, and he shared some of his proudest achievements
[11:30] Senator Jones discusses the Romeo and Juliet provision and how, after many legal proceedings and hard work, a young man was released from prison since he was sentenced under old statutes
[15:50] Senator Jones shares a story about how one little word changed legislation in Georgia and the advice he would give kids growing up in challenging circumstances
[21:40] Senator Jones shares his story of being orphaned at age 11
[24:08] Robert acknowledges Senator Jones's hard work, and the Senator discusses his goals and aspirations for the community
[29:30] Senator Jones shares his Y story and the influence the Y has on the community
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
[6:16] Senator Jones gives the YMCA credit for making him who he is today and launching the careers of his three children. Never underestimate the impact the Y has on children. For many kids, the Y has been their haven and has taught them to be the adults they are today.
[11:30] Senator Jones discusses how a young man went to prison because of his relationship with a girl two years his junior. Because of this situation, the legislature created the Romeo and Juliet law.
[19:47] Senator Jones has excellent advice for young people experiencing difficult times who feel like they have no hope. He speaks from experience, having been orphaned at age 11.
RESOURCE LINKS:
BIOGRAPHY:
Senator Emanuel Jones, a Democrat, was first elected to the Georgia Senate from Georgia's 10th District in 2004. Senator Jones represents Southwest DeKalb and Henry County. He is the current Chairman of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council and formerly served as Chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus for two consecutive legislative sessions. Senator Jones is a member of the Banking and Financial Institutions, Economic Development and Tourism, Interstate Cooperation, Special Judiciary and Retirement Committees. Senator Jones is President of the Legacy Automotive Group, which includes Legacy Chevrolet Cadillac Saab of Columbus and Legacy Ford of McDonough. Senator Jones owns one of the Atlanta Area’s largest African-American-owned businesses. Most recently, Senator Jones was honored as a recipient of the Global Peace Festival Award in Malaysia and named one of Atlanta Tribune Magazine’s “Men of Distinction.” He has also received the Black Enterprise Top 50 Minority-Owned Companies Award and the U.S . Department of Commerce Minority Service Firm of the Year. Previously, Senator Jones was a 2008 nominee for the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, nominated by Ambassador Andrew Young. He was selected for the 2008 Atlanta Business League 50th Most Influential Award; the recipient of the Morris Brown College Pacesetter Award in 2008, Metro Atlanta YMCA Volunteer of the Year, Ford Motor Minority Dealer Executive Director’s Award, Henry County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, Governors Proclamation Entrepreneur of the Year, Freshman Legislator of the year 2005, Organization of DeKalb Educators 2006, and from the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Service Firm of the Year. He received his MBA in Finance/Accounting from Columbia University in 1986, preceded by a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981. Mr. Jones was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1980 and rose to the rank of Captain. Senator Jones graduated class valedictorian from West Fulton High School in Atlanta, GA 1977. Senator Jones had career positions with IBM (81-84) and Arthur Anderson & Co. (86-88) before entering the automobile business in 1988 as a dealer candidate in Ford Motor Company’s minority dealer operations. He is a former Trustee for Henry Medical Center, past Finance Chairman of Henry Medical Center, past Chairman of Henry County YMCA, past Chairman of Henry County’s United Way Campaign and Partners in Education of numerous elementary, middle and high schools. He was also Chairman of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, a member of Leadership Georgia and a Board Member of the James Bristor Society, University of Pennsylvania. Senator Emanuel Jones Senate District 10 Senator Jones sits on various boards, including the Board at Columbia University Business School Greenhouse Project, the School of Social Policy and Practice and the Georgia State University Project Healthy Grandparent’s board. He was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Senator Jones resides in Ellenwood, GA, with his wife Gloria, sons Emanuel II and Elam, and daughter Emani. He is a deacon of the Shiloh Baptist Church in McDonough.
