Today we’d like to introduce you to Selwyn Jones. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Selwyn Miles Jones is a community and civil rights leader who has dedicated his life to creating social change. Born in 1966 in the Jim Crow South, he is the youngest of seventeen children, he grew up in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he and his siblings worked in tobacco fields alongside their parents in unimaginable poverty and disenfranchisement. Despite these challenges, his mother encouraged him to dream big, and his athletic prowess became his ticket out.
Selwyn went on to become a successful salesman, hotel owner, and father with his wife, Joie. However, on May 25, 2020, Selwyn’s life was forever changed when he witnessed the murder of his nephew, George Floyd, at the hands of Minneapolis police. Floyd’s death started a civil rights movement worldwide and Selwyn was inspired to create positive societal change in his nephew’s honor. He became an activist committed to ending police brutality, systemic racism, and violence. One of his impactful changes was the removal of the Confederate flag from the police uniforms in Gettysburg, SD, which had been a controversial symbol associated with racism, slavery, and oppression for many people in the United States.
Selwyn attends and speaks at special events all over the country, providing solace to families who have endured pain from similar tragedies. He is a co-founder of the nonprofit Hope929, where he works to empower historically marginalized groups. Selwyn is also the co-producer and host of the inspirational podcast, Setting It Straight with Selwyn, which compels individuals to become leaders in their communities and inspires young people to bring about change.
A GQ Man of The Year and featured on NPR, FOX, ABC, CBS, and NBC, Selwyn believes his purpose is to change lives and be the voice for those who struggle to use theirs. He has been traveling the country assisting in pushing the Medical Civil Rights Act, a bill that would require police officers to immediately request emergency medical services when someone in custody experiences a medical emergency. Turning an unimaginable tragedy into an opportunity for positive change, Selwyn is moving forward and pushing to make communities everywhere better for all our children.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Jones was born in 1966 into a family of sharecroppers in the segregated Jim Crow South. As the youngest of seventeen children, he spent his early years in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he and his siblings endured unimaginable poverty and disenfranchisement while working alongside their parents in tobacco fields. Despite the difficult circumstances, his mother instilled in him the belief that he could aspire to great things. Through his athletic abilities, Jones found an avenue for success and eventually became an accomplished salesman, hotel owner, and a devoted husband to his wife, Joie.
However, everything changed for Jones on May 26, 2020, when he was informed of the tragic murder of his nephew, George Floyd, at the hands of Minneapolis police. This event had a profound impact on him, and people from all around the world reached out to Jones seeking solace and guidance in overcoming similar tragedies. Motivated by this experience, Jones embarked on a mission.
While on his advocacy journey, Jones received an invitation to visit Harrison, Arkansas, a city that had been falsely labeled as the most racist town in the nation. Upon arriving, he quickly realized that this portrayal was completely unfounded. It turned out to be a pivotal moment when he crossed paths with Liz Darden, now appointed councilwoman, who had organized a community event he attended.
Recognizing the importance of fostering inclusive communities, Jones and Darden joined forces, understanding that true equity is achieved through such endeavors. Together, they co-founded Hope929, a nonprofit organization that goes beyond advocating for fair treatment. Their mission expanded to provide marginalized individuals with the necessary support to thrive and succeed.
Hope929 is dedicated to addressing the ongoing issue of social injustice experienced by disenfranchised groups. By offering a diverse range of resources, including speaking engagements, podcasts, educational programs, and local community events, Hope929 aims to foster meaningful change. Furthermore, the organization is deeply committed to empowering the youth through workshops and other initiatives, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to effectively combat injustice using their voices as powerful tools.
Their unique position in the industry of community development allows them to address the pressing needs of individuals and communities. They work closely with local residents, businesses, and government entities to identify community needs, develop strategic plans, and implement programs that promote positive change and sustainable development. HOPE929 is in the process of developing affordable housing that offers a range of services and resources under one roof.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Jones and Darden went on to create a powerful podcast called “Setting It Straight with Selwyn,” a civil rights platform designed to amplify the voices of those impacted by social injustice. The podcast also features esteemed guests like Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, Erin Jones, a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Specialist, Dr. Candice Maxwell, Former Chief of Police, Rashall Brackney, and Marty K Casey, an activist and trauma specialist.
Through motivational conversations and educational discussions, their aim is to inspire positive social change and provide valuable insights to their audience. By shedding light on important topics and sharing personal stories, “Setting It Straight with Selwyn” strives to foster understanding, promote empathy, and equip individuals with the tools needed to overcome adversity.
In addition to their existing efforts, Jones and Darden recognized the power of media in expanding their outreach and decided to delve further into the media world. To amplify their mission, they joined forces with Monique Lore, a two-time Emmy Award-winning producer. Together, they are currently working on a film project that aims to bring their message to a wider audience and create a greater impact.
To learn more about their nonprofit, please visit their website at www.hope929.org. Additionally, you can find their podcast, “Setting It Straight with Selwyn,” on all major podcast platforms.
Furthermore, Jones and his team have been actively involved in supporting the passage of the Medical Civil Rights Bill, a crucial legislation that grants individuals the right to request medical assistance when interacting with a police officer. They have been dedicated advocates for this bill, which was drafted by Robert and Leonore Dluhy, esteemed members of a physician’s committee. Their commitment stems from the recognition of the immense importance of ensuring access to essential medical aid during critical encounters with law enforcement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hope929.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justiceforgeorge846
Image Credits
All photos courtesy of Hope929.org.
