GOVERNMENT // Campaign
Chris Jones
Faith, Hope, & Hard Work
written by Dianna Donahue - Jun.1.2022
“I would love to leave a legacy of someone who helped everyone he interacted with to get a little closer to who they were created to be.”
Dr. Chris Jones is Arkansas' only Black, faith-based rocket scientist passionate about helping people. He is a husband, father, and a part of a 200-year family lineage rooted in Arkansas. As a son of two preachers, the generational heart of his family is faith, hope, and hard work. This, plus an encounter with former Governor Bill Clinton at eight years old, inspired the Southeast Arkansas native to run for the state's Governor position. He intends to use his experience and the influences of his family to create a better state for the current residents of Arkansas and the generations to come.
WHO IS CHRIS JONES?
Chris Jones is a 7th-generation Arkansan. His mother's side of the family originally resided in Ouachita County before the 1800s. His father's side is originally from Mississippi, where his grandfather owned land but moved to Hughes after being run off by the Ku Klux Klan, who learned that oil was under their farmland in Mississippi.
He spent his childhood in Stephens, Hughes, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas riding dirt bikes, eating honeysuckles, getting bit by mosquitoes, and fighting grasshoppers. Although he didn't have a lot of material things growing up, he never lacked love, support, or being told he was created for something bigger than himself.
Jones has a long list of inspirational resources. At the top of it are his parents, as well as his grandparents, who, although both were only third-grade educated, had a significant impact on their world. He is also inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his collegiate mentors, and Ron McNair – a Black NASA astronaut and physicist who died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger.
Jones was raised to understand that he was created to serve others. Although he has flaws and has made mistakes, he understands that those things were designed to improve him. He has used his life experiences to figure out how to make that manifest and earnestly believes that he is called to help others realize their full potential.
Chris Jones is a 7th-generation Arkansan. His mother's side of the family originally resided in Ouachita County before the 1800s. His father's side is originally from Mississippi, where his grandfather owned land but moved to Hughes after being run off by the Ku Klux Klan, who learned that oil was under their farmland in Mississippi.
He spent his childhood in Stephens, Hughes, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas riding dirt bikes, eating honeysuckles, getting bit by mosquitoes, and fighting grasshoppers. Although he didn't have a lot of material things growing up, he never lacked love, support, or being told he was created for something bigger than himself.
Jones has a long list of inspirational resources. At the top of it are his parents, as well as his grandparents, who, although both were only third-grade educated, had a significant impact on their world. He is also inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his collegiate mentors, and Ron McNair – a Black NASA astronaut and physicist who died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger.
Jones was raised to understand that he was created to serve others. Although he has flaws and has made mistakes, he understands that those things were designed to improve him. He has used his life experiences to figure out how to make that manifest and earnestly believes that he is called to help others realize their full potential.
"When I taught high school…it was the hardest year of my life, but the most rewarding because it was helping high school kids realize their potential. I had a meeting with one of my math students, her parents, and school officials. This student was on an Independent Educational Plan (IEP), so the overall goal was for her to make a C in all her classes. That was their goal. I, however, pulled her aside and said, 'Look, I hear what they said, but you can do better…and I expect better from you. So, we need to set a quiet goal of you getting an A in every class instead.' That year she made one B and graduated top three of her class. So, yes…lifting people and helping them realize their full potential, that's the thing I live for, and that's what I want to do in Arkansas."
Jones' educational background is rooted in his love for science and exploration. He spent his high school years at Watson Chapel High School – Home of the Wildcats – and is still a little sad that his alma mater did not make it to the football championship his senior year. While in Pine Bluff, he was also Mayor of the Youth Council.
He is a Morehouse College graduate. He studied Physics and Math while simultaneously working at NASA, where he helped build a plasma rocket that could go to Mars. During his time at Morehouse was Student Government President. After Morehouse, he went to MIT [Massachusetts Institute of Technology] for Graduate school, where he received a Nuclear Engineering Masters and a Technology and Policy Masters. Inclusive to this, Jones received his Ph.D. at MIT in Urban Planning, worked as a Dean at MIT, and taught high school for a year.
Jones is also a member of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity - the first successful and oldest all-Black Greek-lettered organization better known as Boulé. The organization was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 15, 1904.
He is a Morehouse College graduate. He studied Physics and Math while simultaneously working at NASA, where he helped build a plasma rocket that could go to Mars. During his time at Morehouse was Student Government President. After Morehouse, he went to MIT [Massachusetts Institute of Technology] for Graduate school, where he received a Nuclear Engineering Masters and a Technology and Policy Masters. Inclusive to this, Jones received his Ph.D. at MIT in Urban Planning, worked as a Dean at MIT, and taught high school for a year.
Jones is also a member of Sigma Pi Phi fraternity - the first successful and oldest all-Black Greek-lettered organization better known as Boulé. The organization was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 15, 1904.
FAMILY
“I'm a doctor, but I want you to address me as Chris. Chris is fine. You can address my wife as 'Doctor.' She's the real Doctor.”
MRS. DR. JONES
This December, Jones will have been married to his wife, Emergency Medical Physician and State Medical Director for Disaster Preparedness, Dr. Jerrilyn D. Jones, M.D., for twenty years. The two met at church and share the same birthday and the last name, as her maiden name is Jones. Jones states that he truly feels that they were created to be together.
BLACK FATHERHOOD
I don't have sons, so I don't have to have that talk with my sons. But I have daughters. And there's another talk that you have with your daughters.
The Joneses are the proud parents of three daughters – Jordyn, Janelle, and Jasmine. Jones loves and is always excited about being a father. Still, he is also very aware of the systemic battles that his girls may face, the existing racism they may encounter, and the low expectations that some may subject them to because of the color of their skin. Therefore, he takes particular pride in knowing his children are growing up in a world that they love and enjoy and where they can experience their full potential.
This December, Jones will have been married to his wife, Emergency Medical Physician and State Medical Director for Disaster Preparedness, Dr. Jerrilyn D. Jones, M.D., for twenty years. The two met at church and share the same birthday and the last name, as her maiden name is Jones. Jones states that he truly feels that they were created to be together.
BLACK FATHERHOOD
I don't have sons, so I don't have to have that talk with my sons. But I have daughters. And there's another talk that you have with your daughters.
The Joneses are the proud parents of three daughters – Jordyn, Janelle, and Jasmine. Jones loves and is always excited about being a father. Still, he is also very aware of the systemic battles that his girls may face, the existing racism they may encounter, and the low expectations that some may subject them to because of the color of their skin. Therefore, he takes particular pride in knowing his children are growing up in a world that they love and enjoy and where they can experience their full potential.
"I try to create a world that enables, supports, and helps them live out their dreams and the calling they were created for. Internally, I try always to find moments to teach them that they will have struggle, they will have challenges, but – number one – their struggle and challenge is not a nametag for who they are. It's just something that they will learn and grow from. Number two – we try to teach them that they are uniquely created for something that no one else can do, period, that each one of them was brought into the world by God to do something."
Although Jones reverences his family and his roles within it with the highest regard, like many other Black men, Jones has found that the role of a father can be challenging.
"I think being a father has always been challenging…the role that fathers are taking now makes it more challenging in some ways. However, I think it is extra challenging being a Black father. We fight against this narrative that Black fathers are not around, we don't care, we work all the time, or we're just absent. Those stereotypes are not always accurate, but also the role that fathers play is different versus 30-40-50 years ago. We are way more active in things like picking up and dropping off children, cooking, or [for me] doing my daughters' hair…and, yes, I know how to braid hair! The folks that I know are hyper-engaged fathers. And they're always there; they always show up. But that's not what the public sees. So we are always fighting against that public narrative, and it is a challenge and a struggle."
Jones continues to acknowledge the many challenges that Black fathers experience but does not want to separate the challenges of Black men in general. He is concerned about the effects of emotional isolation and internalization that many Black men experience throughout their lives and never seek help or proper release.
"We hold a lot of stuff in. Me and a friend talked during the first year of COVID about some of the mental health struggles he was dealing with. He was seeing some folks and seeking help. We talked about a year later, and I believe he started seeking support less. He ended up committing suicide. I don't blame myself, but I also know that when we don't reach out, we don't support each other; that pressure builds up and could lead to us making decisions that cannot be reversed. So, we have to support each other. And we have to know that you only do this when you're doing it with others."
“Do whatever works for your family. But always seek help because we cannot do this alone."
FAMILY VS WORK
Juggling work and parenthood is not the easiest or most rewarding effort, but it is often necessary for most families in America. Jones has learned how to balance his professional and parental roles to work specifically for his household. He has learned that many fathers try to fit into an existing role instead of learning and cultivating their own.
Juggling work and parenthood is not the easiest or most rewarding effort, but it is often necessary for most families in America. Jones has learned how to balance his professional and parental roles to work specifically for his household. He has learned that many fathers try to fit into an existing role instead of learning and cultivating their own.
"I work hard to include the girls in my work life at times, but not too much. I don't want their life to be flipped totally. I try not to change the routine too much, so I still do drop-off on most days. But I'm doing less pickup now. So, when we get signals, like 'where are you' or 'where have you been,' I know it's time to dedicate some time to them to make sure we're together.
Far too often, we see folks out there working to make a difference externally, and they forget about home. They forget about their spouse; they forget about their kids. And I know that at the end of the day, I absolutely want to serve Arkansas. And yet my family was there before, and my family will be after that. And that's what's most important.
And don't try to do it alone. We need each other. And by 'we,' professional dads need each other. You need your spouse or your partner. My wife and I planned early on that we would create a whole new model. Often, you look back, and it's easy for me to say, well, I grew up this way, so this is the right way to do it. Or she grew up that way, so that's the right way to do it. We're like, no. We will decide what's best from our individual upbringing and create a model that works for us."
GOVERNOR SPARK
During a trip to a mall in Little Rock, eight-year-old Jones and his father ran into then-governor Bill Clinton. Clinton stopped and talked to them. When Clinton was interrupted, he briefly engaged the interrupter but picked up the conversation with the Joneses at the exact word he had been saying. That five-to-ten-minute conversation with Clinton left a lasting impression on Jones.
"I'll never forget that. That mattered to me because it showed he listened, he cared, that I mattered. When we left, I said, 'Dad, what does he do?' My dad said, 'He's a governor.' I asked, 'What's a governor?' He said, 'Let's go look it up.' We didn't have phones or Google, so we went to the Encyclopedia Britannica. We happened to have G [because we didn't have the whole set], so I found "governor," and for the next week and a half or so – as my dad tells the story - I studied what a governor does. I found out that the governor can solve problems…I love solving problems, but more importantly, I can make a difference in people's lives by serving others. I love doing that too!"
POLITICAL RESUME
“If you're applying for a job, know the job.”
Jones is running for governor of Arkansas because he loves the state, but foremost he believes there are critical decisions, actions, and behaviors needed in that seat to provide an opportunity for all Arkansans to be set up to be leaders and not to be lackers.
Although this is Jones' first time running for elected office, he has worked on and practiced the standards that the position requires to be best effective in the role. He's worked on several campaigns, including the Deval Patrick's – the first Black governor of Massachusetts – first public campaign, which he won.
As an active participant of a military family, he strategically understands how service member deployment affects families. In addition, he understands Crisis Management through working closely with his wife, Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, Ph.D. Paired with his Ph.D. in Urban Planning, he has an extensive understanding of systems, how they interact with each other, and what is needed to prepare them for the future.
One of the leading roles of a Governor is to be the Chief Executive or manage the Governor's office. Chris has acquired years of experience managing multiple businesses, including the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, and consulting with large companies. He is familiar with creating jobs, navigating employee terminations, agency transformations, and elevating operation efficiencies. Inclusive to this, Chris has served on boards and is strongly familiar with bringing people to the table so that their voices are heard and regarded. He understands the process and the importance of occupying pertinent boards with those voices, not only those of certain networks.
The foundation of the governor's role, constitutionally, is to promote the state. Even as a recruiter for MIT for ten years, he spoke proudly of home. He would always introduce himself by saying, "I'm Chris Jones. I'm from Pine Bluff, Arkansas". Working for a major collegiate institution in another state could not deter him from promoting his home state. And he does not intend to stop now.
Although this is Jones' first time running for elected office, he has worked on and practiced the standards that the position requires to be best effective in the role. He's worked on several campaigns, including the Deval Patrick's – the first Black governor of Massachusetts – first public campaign, which he won.
As an active participant of a military family, he strategically understands how service member deployment affects families. In addition, he understands Crisis Management through working closely with his wife, Dr. Jerrilyn Jones, Ph.D. Paired with his Ph.D. in Urban Planning, he has an extensive understanding of systems, how they interact with each other, and what is needed to prepare them for the future.
One of the leading roles of a Governor is to be the Chief Executive or manage the Governor's office. Chris has acquired years of experience managing multiple businesses, including the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, and consulting with large companies. He is familiar with creating jobs, navigating employee terminations, agency transformations, and elevating operation efficiencies. Inclusive to this, Chris has served on boards and is strongly familiar with bringing people to the table so that their voices are heard and regarded. He understands the process and the importance of occupying pertinent boards with those voices, not only those of certain networks.
The foundation of the governor's role, constitutionally, is to promote the state. Even as a recruiter for MIT for ten years, he spoke proudly of home. He would always introduce himself by saying, "I'm Chris Jones. I'm from Pine Bluff, Arkansas". Working for a major collegiate institution in another state could not deter him from promoting his home state. And he does not intend to stop now.
"Right now, we [as a state] are lacking. We're bottom five in so much, and we could easily be top five. I'm not in this for a title because other positions will give you titles. I'm in it because I believe that the gifts God gave me are uniquely suited for this moment in Arkansas, and I'm willing to step up."
CAMPAIGN
According to www.ChrisForGovernor.com, Jones' campaign is the most ambitious effort in history to reach Arkansas voters. It is entitled Promise of Arkansas and aims to "set the table to launch an unprecedented voting movement in a state with some of the nation's highest potential and stakes." Thus far, it has taken him to every county in Arkansas – from the depths of the Ozark Mountains, farms in the Delta, the porches of grandparents, and into the stories, pains, and dreams of hundreds of Arkansans. It helps him better understand himself and his role in this world and how it can impact Arkansas for the better.
"I'm beginning to better understand and see the connectivity between all of us and our stories. And how we are, as King said, caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. We're all tied. We're all in this together. We're all tied together. And as a man of faith, that resonates with the notion that...look, we are one humanity."
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
One of the goals that Jones' campaign strives to accomplish is changing Arkansas' overall narrative because he believes that Arkansans care about each other at our core. He finds it unprogressive for the state that some politicians pirate in fear, hate, and otherism. He wants to counter with a lasting narrative that Arkansans truly care about each other, and we're all in this together.
"When I went to Huntsville, Arkansas, they told me about a young lady who had passed away. The community came together for her parents. They raised money to provide funeral services, and they showed up and supported each other. That's what communities do across the state. That's the narrative I want to make sure I lift up that we're here for each other, and we actually do that. That's counter to the narrative you hear about Arkansas that we fight all the time or don't care about anything. And so, that's the narrative we're trying to change."
He recalls another experience in Harrison, Arkansas – infamously known as the birthplace of the Klu Klux Klan – where he – a Black male and aspiring political figure – was welcomed with a standing ovation upon his arrival:
"Harrison has a narrative of being a place of bigotry and racism…a sundown town…birthplace of the Klan…where a Grand Wizard resides! So, I said, "let's go!" because if we're gonna serve all Arkansans, we have to serve ALL Arkansans. We set up a meet and greet and made it open to the public – anybody could come. We actually held a room in a restaurant that could probably fit maybe half a dozen people, a small room in the back, which would have been great. Walked into the restaurant, and it was packed. And as I walked in, I thought I was gonna go through the crowd and go to the back. Soon as I walked in, we got a standing ovation. They were all there because they were ready for something different. They were all there because they were ready to change the narrative of the place. And to me, that's reflective of the fact that Arkansans are ready to change the narrative of the place."
VOTER REGISTRATION
Another goal that Jones' campaign strives to accomplish is to change Arkansas' voter participation record. Unfortunately, Arkansas is in 50th place for voter registration and in 50th place for voter turnout in the county. Jones believes that exists for a few reasons but wants to change that with this year's election.
"For certain, there are intentional barriers to people voting - we're first in absentee ballot rejection… we're 46th in terms of voter-friendly atmosphere…and we're 46th in places where you're able to vote in an efficient way. Now, why? There are certainly barriers, but people also make rational choices. If I keep banging my head against the wall…if I keep doing the same thing and I'm not getting a return…eventually, I'm not gonna do it anymore. That is partly what's happened. |
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Then, if I don't see myself represented, I don't believe that there's anyone there who has my voice, who's from where I'm from, who can understand my struggles…why would I care? Not that they've [the candidate] lived all my struggles, but do they take the time to listen and to understand my struggle? Two very different things. People need someone who can empathize and appreciate the experiences of others, who will then take others' experiences and bring them to bear when they make decisions.
It's also that folks don't want to add another layer of stress to their daily lives – I need to get my kids from school, I need to figure out how I'm gonna pay rent, I have sick parents that I have to deal with, I'm trying to finish school myself, my house looks a mess, I don't know what to cook… I'm talking about myself now! But what I know is even if I mentally check out, I'm still in this world; those decisions on the ballot still impact me. My campaign is asking voters to add the extra layer of stress because the people we elect are going to make decisions that impact us. We're saying step up and lean in because you got someone who actually represents you in so many different ways. We're showing up!
Far too often, politicians don't show up, they aren't willing to be present, and they aren't willing to have conversations with folks, wherever folks are. And we've crossed the state, particularly in the areas that have been left out and marginalized, and we're saying, we're meeting you where you are, and showing up, and listening and learning and growing together. So, we believe that that'll turn the tide, and that's the message folks need. We're seeing evidence of that. And my plea is that people lean in and believe and take the leap because we have an opportunity to move Arkansas into a leadership position. We can literally solve some of the problems, like one in four kids going to bed hungry, 50% of some college campuses having kids with food insecurity, 67% of our families living at or below the poverty line, and the untold thousands of folks who don't have broadband access. We can solve those problems at this moment, at this time, if we lean in and work together. And that's what we're pushing."
POLTICIAL AGENDA
“Keep your eyes on this. I think @JonesForAR has a very bright future in this country.”
- Mark Hamill, the original ‘Luke Skywalker’ of the Star Wars movies
- Mark Hamill, the original ‘Luke Skywalker’ of the Star Wars movies
STATEWIDE
Jones is very optimistic that his campaign will result in a 50% plus one win this election. Another one of the goals that he and his team are focused on accomplishing is spreading PB & J (preschools, broadband, and jobs) across the state. He feels a personal responsibility to make sure this happens.
Jones is very optimistic that his campaign will result in a 50% plus one win this election. Another one of the goals that he and his team are focused on accomplishing is spreading PB & J (preschools, broadband, and jobs) across the state. He feels a personal responsibility to make sure this happens.
"When I think about Huntsville, Rector Arkansas, Hughes, Marianna, West Memphis, Lake Village, Eudora, Pine Bluff, Wabbaseka, Ashdown, I think about the fact that they don't have quality education readily available; they don't have high paying jobs readily available. They also don't have good infrastructure readily available, which is needed so that those who care about bringing out the best in Arkansas can build on that infrastructure even after I'm gone. There are access points for you to say, look, if I want to work at the local level in my community, here are some resources that will help me get there. So, for the campaign and the administrations – should I be blessed to serve – it's about spreading PB&J all across the state."
MINORITY AGENDA
Jones is no stranger to struggle – more specifically, Black struggle…even more specifically, Black struggle in the Delta of South Arkansas. He is very aware that the day-to-day struggles for Black Arkansans are harder to overcome than ever before, but it is not the essence of who many of us are and, with help, does not have to be our experience always.
A part of the "Faith, Hope, & Hard Work" campaign's mission is to show that the Black experience is broad and varied.
Jones is no stranger to struggle – more specifically, Black struggle…even more specifically, Black struggle in the Delta of South Arkansas. He is very aware that the day-to-day struggles for Black Arkansans are harder to overcome than ever before, but it is not the essence of who many of us are and, with help, does not have to be our experience always.
A part of the "Faith, Hope, & Hard Work" campaign's mission is to show that the Black experience is broad and varied.
"We are hyper-focused on making sure that we spread PB&J…that communities that have been left out, that have been ignored that have been vilified and attacked have access to resources, preschool, broadband, and jobs, education, infrastructure, and economic development. So we're going to take action and change the narrative in the Delta in South Arkansas. That's where black folks are, where the low-income folks are, and where the marginalized are. And they matter, too."
One of the superior points of his agenda includes bringing voices to the table. Jones believes that the people most impacted by government decisions need to be at the table when decisions are made. He finds it unfair and unfortunate that Black folks and other people of color, minorities, low-income households, and the economically challenged are not at the table when decisions directly impact them are made. He intends to change that.
His initial steps towards changing this course in Arkansas was setting up a campaign office in Hughes, Pine Bluff, and Little Rock. All three are currently and actively operational.
His initial steps towards changing this course in Arkansas was setting up a campaign office in Hughes, Pine Bluff, and Little Rock. All three are currently and actively operational.
"… we're hitting the Delta, we're hitting South Arkansas because we want to show up, we want to be there, we want to listen, and we want to get people to the table involved and engaged. Those things are going to begin to change the narrative and, more importantly, begin to change access to resources. Now, we can go deeper into specific policy things that matter, but that's what we're talking about at the highest level."
FUTURE POLITICAL LEADERS
It is always good for forerunners to leave trails and wisdom for those coming after them. Jones offers this encouragement to anyone of color interested in entering the political arena.
"We haven't seen an overwhelming number of Black Arkansans in political office, but that shouldn't stop anyone from believing in themselves because sometimes we are called to do different things, and you may be called to break the barrier. So, whatever that role is, own it.
The other positivity is that we often get beat up and beat down and drained by the million little cuts – low expectations, people not stepping up or showing up, and people not believing in us. Acknowledge the million little cuts and keep yourself surrounded by folks who put some ointment on the cuts when necessary…and by folks who will slap your hand away before you get cut…and by folks who lift you up even when you're covered with cuts. Far too often, people want to lift you up when you're clean, and you're winning, but some are willing to step up and lift us up even when we're covered in cuts. Don't ignore those folks; they matter, and they're there for you. And that could be their gift to this world by supporting you when you're covered by a million little cuts."
SUPPORT
You can support Chris Jones' Promise of Arkansas campaign by visiting www.ChrisForGovernor.com. You can find your voting polling place, donate, ask your pressing questions, give ideas, and become a volunteer. You can also view Jones' upcoming campaign trail stop, view the latest press releases and ads, purchase merchandise, and read the Culture Document – an outline of the campaign's values, beliefs, and behaviors.
Stay connected through social media! Facebook and Instagram @JonesForAR.
Stay connected through social media! Facebook and Instagram @JonesForAR.
“I'm confident that Arkansans know the problems we face, know the opportunities in front of us, and know how to address the problem and seize the opportunities. So, I need folks from various backgrounds and varied experiences to lean in because this isn't about Chris Jones; it's about all of us.”
Unless otherwise stated, photos are courtesy of LaTonya Austin Honorable and/or her staff.
