Dr. Terry Jones

An interview with Dr. Terry Jones as he discusses African American struggles and his experience in community organizing, diversity in universities, and institutional difficulties.
Interviewed by Rose Wong, PhD. Date of interview: 10-20-15. Length of interview: 1 hour, 9 minutes.

Interview Topics

(01:10) – Early events that led Jones to social work: anti-war movement, Civil Rights Movement. (01:35) – Work with street gangs, police brutality, affirmative action in public service. (03:28) – Political, economic, and social factors in the 1960s: Extreme inequality. (04:38) – Violent vs. Non-violent protest. (06:24) – Career development and primary focus: community organization. (07:15) – First social work with young, black males in Vallejo, CA. (10:33) – Positions held in universities, Affirmative Action and diversity in universities. (14:46) – Goals at Cal State East Bay: Black Faculty Association, Ethnic Studies Program, Criminal Justice Program, Social Work Program. (16:15) – Atmosphere surrounding Cal State East Bay social work program. (20:49) – Useful lessons for others, diversity. (29:08) – Lessons from community organizing: “You have to take people where they are”. (31:05) – Cultural humility. (31:45) –Making alliances, establishing relationships before making deals. (37:30) – Obstacles, dealing with failure. (43:33) – Most satisfying experiences: multiculturalism, community organization. (46:25) – Creation of MSW program at Cal State East Bay. (51:12) – AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children), “the politics of poverty”. (55:10) – Lack of corporate social responsibility. (57:00) – Social worker’s role in structural inequality: prison reform. (1:00:00) – What he would have done differently.

Additional Materials