Early Life and Education of Van Jones: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Van Jones. A timeline of key moments.

Van Jones is an American political analyst, media personality, lawyer, author, and civil rights advocate. He's a prominent figure known for his work on CNN as a host and contributor, his three New York Times bestselling books, and his Emmy Award. Jones is recognized for his political commentary and advocacy, particularly focusing on civil rights and social justice issues.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

September 20, 1968: Van Jones is born

On September 20, 1968, Anthony Kapel "Van" Jones was born. He is known as a political analyst, media personality, lawyer, author, and civil rights advocate.

Others born on this day/year

1983: Andaya's misconduct in Oakland Police Department

In 1983, officer Andaya had a record of incidents of misconduct while he was a policeman with the Oakland Police Department.

1986: Jones graduated from High School

In 1986, Van Jones graduated from Jackson Central-Merry High School in his hometown.

August 1992: Jones becomes a communist

In August 1992, Van Jones said he had become a communist, following the Rodney King trial and verdict.

1992: Jones serves as a legal observer

In 1992, Van Jones served as a legal observer for the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights at protests triggered by the Rodney King verdict.

1993: Jones Graduates Law School and Moves to San Francisco

After graduating from law school with his Juris Doctor in 1993, Van Jones moved to San Francisco with the intent of "trying to be a revolutionary".

1993: Complaints against Andaya

Between 1983 and 1993, Marc Andaya was named in 10 complaints, eight of them allegedly for misuse of physical force, when he was a policeman with the Oakland Police Department.

1995: Aaron Williams Death

In 1995, Aaron Williams, an unarmed black man died in custody after fighting with several officers including officer Marc Andaya. This event sparked community outrage about his death and pressure on the department to bring justice against Andaya.

2003: Jones served as Arianna Huffington's grassroots director

In 2003, Van Jones served as Arianna Huffington's statewide grassroots director during the California gubernatorial recall election.

October 2005: Jones reflects on political radicalization

In October 2005, Van Jones reflected on how the Rodney King trial and verdict deepened his disaffection with the system and accelerated his political radicalization.

September 5, 2009: Jones Resigns from White House

On September 5, 2009, Van Jones resigned from his position as Special Advisor, citing a "vicious smear campaign" by opponents of health care and clean energy reform.

2009: Jones served as Special Advisor for Green Jobs

In 2009, Van Jones served as President Barack Obama's Special Advisor for Green Jobs. He also was a distinguished visiting fellow at Princeton University during that year.