State Rep. Jones speaks to WMU-Cooley Law students

State Rep. Jewell Jones (D-Inkster) presented on the importance of being involved in the civic process at WMU-Cooley Law School’s Lansing campus during an event was hosted by the American Bar Association, Law Student Division in Lansing, Oct. 24.
Jones, along with legislative aides Javion Johnson and Mark Payne, encouraged students to be active in their communities by attending town meetings and writing to their congressmen and legislators. The group also gave insight about their roles and day-to-day routines, as well as the history of the Capitol and legislation.

During his opening remarks, Jones discussed political trends and hot topics in the legislature, such as lobbying, how to work within a budget while campaigning and the use of social media versus talking with voters face-to-face.

Following his keynote, Jones opened the discussion to the law students and community members in attendance and answered their questions. Many questions were about how he was able to rise to his current level of service at such a young age.

The representative made history when he was elected the youngest member to join the Michigan House of Representatives at 21 years old on Jan. 1, 2017. He represents the 11th House District, which comprises all of Garden City and Inkster, and portions of Dearborn Heights, Livonia and Westland. Jones said his parents were influential in his decision to pursue a career in politics.

“Mr. Jones and his colleagues were captivating and inspiring,” said Nakita Haynes, president of the American Bar Association, Law Student Division. “They empowered the students at WMU-Cooley Law School to make their voices heard.”

Jones has been active in political campaigns for several years and also operated a small business. In the House, he is focused on improving public education, keeping young talent in Michigan and maintaining strong, vibrant communities.

Before serving in the Michigan House of Representatives, the lifelong Inkster resident was the youngest elected Inkster City Council member at 20 years old. He was also a member of the Inkster Task Force, the Inkster Youth Coalition and the Inkster Chamber of Commerce.

Jones graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where he pursued a double major in political science and finance.