Living History Makers:

Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.

Organ Donor

Curtis Jones has always put his all into the community and the things he cares about.

Back in 2007, Mr. Jones put his blood, sweat and tears in a campaign to be elected as one of 17 members to serve in City Council in Philadelphia which sets legislation for the City of Philadelphia – one of the largest metropolitan centers in the United States.

Before being elected to City Council, however, Mr. Jones dedicated 15 years of service as President & Chief Executive Officer of the Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation (PCDC) pursuing its mission to rebuild neighborhoods in Philadelphia by building small businesses that support those communities.

Despite these significant accomplishments, however, he still wanted to give more…so he became a kidney donor to his brother.

Giving even a piece of himself, though, was just another way of Mr. Jones helping someone in need.

Through his time in government (he served in some capacity through seven mayoral administrations…that’s some 22 years and counting), Mr. Jones kept finding ways to make a difference in some powerful ways. During his time leading Philadelphia’s Minority Business Enterprise Council, minorities, women, and disabled business entities in the city received more than $583 million in municipal contract opportunities. When he worked for the House of Umoja – an organization nationally recognized for turning the lives of young inner city youth around through programs that emphasized positive development through reducing violent and abusive behavior – Mr. Jones coordinated a $400,000.00 financing package to begin the first phase of the Boystown Renovation Project.

Where there wasn’t a program to address a community need, Mr. Jones created one. He is a founding member of Philadelphia’s African American Chamber of Commerce, the Philadelphia Micro Loan Fund (which provides loans specifically for smaller local businesses) and the Muslim Business Association. He serves on numerous boards, has received countless awards and continues to contribute to the community.

He continues to make history every day by simply serving others.

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