In this week’s Pathway to the Y, Georgia Senator Emanuel Jones reflects on the impact that the YMCA had on him both as a child and as a father, and how the YMCA helped shape his own children into empowered individuals. He speaks on his work with Chairman Blake Tillery to source the funding for Georgia’s Department of Family and Children's Services. Senator Jones hopes to inspire others to volunteer with and partner with their local YMCA so that more people can benefit from the vast opportunities and resources.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[0:45] Senator Emanuel Jones shares that the YMCA was a safe refuge throughout his childhood.
[1:45] Senator Jones wanted his children to have a positive experience at the YMCA. The Y helped them learn about the benefits of volunteering.
[3:30] As a representative of the people, Senator Jones was dedicated to help South Dekalb YMCA reach more children in the community.
[4:45] Senator Jones and Georgia Chairman, Blake Tillary, sourced the funds for the state’s Department of Family and Children's Services.
[6:30] The public-partner partnership between the Y and the community is integral to the YMCA.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Senator Emanuel Jones cherishes his experiences at the YMCA and wants to extend those experiences to his community.
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.
Senator Jones hopes that his work with the YMCA will help encourage and motivate others in the metro-Atlanta area to partner with the YMCA.
RESOURCE LINKS:
YMCA Atlanta Membership - Website
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.
