Terry Jones interview, 2015

Jones, Terry - Oral History Interview - CSWA ❧ 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: 1. California Social Work Hall of Distinction Biography ( http://socialworkhallofdistinction.usc.edu/honorees/ ). 2. DVD with interview; 3. Biography from California Social Work Hall of Distinction Induction.