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Introducing a Great American
By Jeremy | February 5, 2007
OK. "Introducing" may be a bit strong of a word as it relates to Clarence Jones. But within the evangelical circles I travel, this man who should need no introduction does. So in honor of Black History Month, here goes.
Nearly forty years after Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, Dr. King's former speechwriter and counsel is still pioneering economic justice and demanding character from our leaders. Tavis Smiley calls Mr. Jones, "the closest guy to King you've never heard of," and Vanity Fair says:
Although Clarence B. Jones isn't a household name, it should be. From 1960 to 1968 this razor-sharp lawyer was one of King's ace advisers and speechwriters. Together, the men slew racist dragons from coast to coast.So without further ado, to my evangelical comrades: get to know Mr. Jones. I've had the privilege of meeting him twice. Both times, he overwhelmed me with the generosity of his time and wisdom and graciousness of spirit. He's a humanitarian lifer who still has lots to offer. And, oh by the way, he's a friend and mentor (not to mention client) of enterprising New York City youth worker (and Coalition co-founder) Sonya Denyse of Dream Development Foundation. Check her out here. RELATED + A Conversation with MLK Adviser Clarence B. Jones (NPR) + "The Man Who Kept King's Secrets; Now 75, Clarence Jones, the galvanizing lawyer who was Martin Luther King Jr.," Vanity Fair (April 2006) + Tavis Smiley Interview (January 15, 2007) + Stanford University article on Mr. Jones' upcoming book. + Mr. Jones on "Overcoming the Racism of History"
Topics: clarence jones, justice, martin luther king, race | No Comments »
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