2024 Black History Month: Danielle Jones
It’s time to spotlight one of our neighbors, which is brought to you by the Tennessee Education Lottery.
Every week during the month of February, we will celebrate Black History Month by introducing you to a member of our community here in West Tennessee.
Our spotlight this week is someone who lives each day serving her home city.
Captain Danielle Jones was born and raised in Jackson.
She graduated Lane College after high school and joined the Jackson Police Department in 2002.
Captain Jones’ passion has led her to grow not only in education, gaining her masters from Bethel, but also in her journey to Captain.
“You get to see people maybe in some of the worst moments, and then you get to see them in some of the best moments,” Jones said. “And being able to kind of help them and guide them through that. It’s probably the best feeling in the world, just for someone to say thank you for helping me.”
Throughout her life, some very inspiring people have encouraged her.
“My parents and my aunt,” Jones said. “She was strict, but she was fun. So it was like I had that awesome dynamic, but she also made sure that you learned something.”
And her parents are still working now.
“They don’t have any quit in them. They just go and go and go and go,” said Jones. “And I know it’s, that’s inspiring to me because I look at them and it’s like, I want to be able to be like them as I get older.”
When it comes to Black History Month, Captain Jones continued on the importance of growing in knowledge and learning from others on a continuous basis, not just in February.
“Do your own research, learn, read,” Jones said. “If you still have grandparents, great grandparents, talk to them. I mean, you can learn a lot just by sitting there talking. Making sure that we’re honoring them in a positive way.”
With over 21 years of experience at JPD, Captain Jones has great advice for not staying in the negative.
“Be compassionate toward each other. Being empathetic. And just like I said, just be the best version of you on a daily basis. I mean, your attitude can determine how far you go in life. So if you try to maintain a positive attitude about it, then there’s no telling where you can get,” said Jones.
According to Jackson Police, Jones is the first African American female to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and Captain in the Jackson Police Department.
And remember to stay tuned next week to meet another neighbor as we continue to celebrate Black History Month.
SEE ALSO: 2024 Black History Month: Don McCorry
